1 week ago
31
Alessia Russo’s second-half double secured a 2-1 comeback victory for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League.
The hosts enjoyed plenty of opportunities during the first half but the former Arsenal player Caroline Weir sent the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time with a brilliant volley.
Russo then starred for Arsenal after the break with two headed goals to help the defending champions to bounce back from defeat against Bayern Munich last week.
Chloe Kelly sent a menacing corner into the box in the opening minutes but the ball was nodded wide by Frida Maanum and moments later Weir had an opportunity stopped at the opposite end. Olivia Smith sent an effort over the bar as Arsenal pushed for an opener and Misa Rodríguez, the Madrid goalkeeper, scooped up Maanum’s next attempt.
Emily Fox made a solid block to turn Athenea del Castillo’s strike behind for a corner but, despite their solid start, Arsenal fell behind in the 43rd minute after a stunning strike from Weir. A curling free-kick was headed by Steph Catley into the path of the Scotland international just inside the box and she smashed a volley past Daphne van Domselaar.
Sara Däbritz had an effort blocked after the break but Arsenal levelled in the 53rd minute when Kelly’s cross was nodded over Rodríguez by Russo. Smith had a scuffed shot collected by Rodríguez before the home side then took the lead in the 67th minute, Beth Mead launching a corner to Russo lurking on the edge of the six-yard area. The striker powered a thumping header home.
Russo continued to cause problems and was flagged for offside twice after getting into promising positions. Alba Redondo broke forward for Madrid in the final stages but had her effort held by Van Domselaar as Arsenal saw out the win.
Renée Slegers, the Arsenal manager, was delighted with her side’s character. “Proud, I think not ideal going 1-0 down from a set piece at the end of the first half but we all stayed very calm,” she said. “Coaches, tech staff and players in the changing room spoke about a couple of details.
“Really happy with how the players stayed so calm on the pitch in the second half because it’s not an easy scenario where there was already pressure on us ahead of this game.”
WCL roundup: Lyon rescue dramatic draw at Juventus
ShowLyon came from 3-0 down at half-time to snatch a 3-3 draw at Juventus in the Women's Champions League.
Goals from Chiara Beccari, Michela Cambiaghi and Tatiana Pinto put Juve in control at the break. But Tabitha Chawinga pulled one back and Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s header made it 3-2.
Lyon were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Cecilia Salvai handled and Wendie Renard tucked home the spot-kick to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.
Elsewhere, goals from Maeline Mendy and Maëlle Garbino gave Paris FC a 2-0 win over Benfica, who had Caroline Møller sent off in the first half, while Vålerenga drew 2-2 at home to St Pölten. PA Media
Russo echoed that it was “a really important win. We’ve probably not had the results that we’ve wanted in the last block, but it was important to come here and pick up a result tonight in the Champions League. We’re really happy.”
Weir admitted she was “disappointed” with Real’s display as her side slipped to their first defeat in the competition. “Nice to score but one goal wasn’t really enough,” she said. “We needed a bit more in the second half.”
