Arsenal recover from a Madrid opener as Russo leads a fierce Champions League turnaround

Arsenal Women produced a determined comeback to defeat Real Madrid two to one in the UEFA Women’s Champions League at Meadow Park. The home side recovered from a setback shortly before the interval and controlled much of the second period to secure an important result in the group stage.

Arsenal created the first meaningful opportunity of the evening when Real Madrid misplaced a pass in a central area. Kyra Cooney Cross moved quickly to collect the loose ball and struck it from the edge of the area but the attempt was blocked by a defender. Chloe Kelly delivered the resulting corner which reached Frida Maanum, although her header travelled wide.

Real Madrid soon advanced with purpose and forced further defensive concentration from Arsenal. Caroline Weir had a shot halted by Lotte Wubben Moy as the visitors began to settle. Arsenal then found space on the left when Alessia Russo moved inside and located Olivia Smith. Smith met the pass cleanly and sent a rising effort narrowly over the bar.

A flowing move followed when Kelly combined with Maanum, who bent a precise cross behind the Madrid back line for Russo. The forward made contact but her shot was directed straight at Misa Rodriguez and the officials raised the flag for offside. Arsenal continued to trouble the visiting defence when Smith carried the ball into the penalty area and went to ground under pressure. The referee judged the contact insufficient and allowed play to continue.

Real Madrid attempted to respond when Naomie Feller escaped down the right and curled the ball straight into the gloves of Daphne van Domselaar. The flag again indicated an offside position. Moments before the interval, Real Madrid capitalised on a second phase from a free kick. Arsenal cleared the initial delivery but the ball dropped to Weir at the edge of the area. She struck a controlled volley that beat Van Domselaar and placed Madrid ahead.

Madrid began the second half with another quick opening when Linda Caicedo hit the side netting from a narrow angle. Weir then struck a low attempt directly at Van Domselaar who claimed it cleanly. Arsenal replied when Smith cut in from the left and saw her shot blocked at close range.

Arsenal found their equaliser when Kelly shaped a cross from the right. Russo advanced decisively, met the ball with a firm header and watched it loop beyond Rodriguez to restore parity. Pressure increased on the visiting side when Rodriguez spilled a powerful effort from Smith but recovered before any Arsenal player could react.

Real Madrid threatened through Yasmim, whose flicked effort tested Van Domselaar. Arsenal responded at the other end when Mariona Caldentey lifted a cross to Smith at the far post. Smith met the volley cleanly but directed it too centrally and Rodriguez collected without difficulty.

Beth Mead entered the match shortly after the hour and made an instant contribution. Her corner reached Russo who attacked the delivery with conviction and steered her header into the net for her second of the night. Real Madrid attempted to mount a reply when Yasmim sent a low shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Arsenal sought further control as Mead played Russo through on goal, though the move was halted for offside. Russo continued to search for a hat trick with a long range attempt that travelled wide before Rodriguez denied her again with another offside call raised during the passage of play.

Arsenal managed the closing stages with composure and limited Real Madrid to few chances. Late substitutions helped maintain defensive shape through five minutes of added time. The home side closed out the contest to claim a valuable three points in their European campaign.