Arsenal overturn 2-0 deficit with blistering second-half display as Russo strikes twice and Caldentey adds another to stun Real Madrid
Alessia Russo struck twice and Mariona Caldentey added a crucial header as Arsenal Women produced a sensational second-half comeback to overturn a 2-0 aggregate deficit and beat Real Madrid 3-0 on the night — 3-2 on aggregate — securing their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals against Lyon.
The Gunners, facing elimination after a limp first-leg defeat in Madrid, turned up the intensity at the Emirates, scoring all three goals within 13 electrifying minutes after the break. Chloe Kelly was at the heart of the turnaround, assisting the first two goals and being named Player of the Match for her relentless wing play and creativity.
Despite starting the second leg trailing by two goals, Arsenal looked a different side in the second half. Real Madrid had barely kicked off the restart before Kelly fired a low cross into the six-yard box for Russo to finish from close range just 44 seconds in, igniting belief in the home crowd.
Three minutes later, another Kelly cross found Caldentey, whose looping header squeezed through the gloves of Real goalkeeper Misa to level the tie on aggregate. The Gunners were flying, and Real Madrid looked shell-shocked.
Ten minutes on, the comeback was complete. From a set-piece routine, Steph Catley headed the ball down to Russo, who took one touch and hammered a powerful strike into the roof of the net. The crowd erupted as the England striker wheeled away in disbelief.
Arsenal could have added to their tally — Russo had two late efforts ruled out for offside as she chased a hat-trick — but the hosts saw out the final stages with composure. Real Madrid’s only real opportunity came when Linda Caicedo forced a save from Van Domselaar, but the Dutch keeper stood firm.
The win means Arsenal will now face eight-time champions Lyon in the semi-finals, having shown the kind of firepower and resilience that could yet take them all the way.
Player Ratings:
Arsenal:
Van Domselaar (7), Fox (6), Williamson (7), Catley (7), McCabe (7), Caldentey (8), Little (7), Kelly (8), Maanum (7), Foord (7), Russo (8)
Subs: Walti (7), Mead (7), Blackstenius (n/a)
Player of the Match: Chloe Kelly
