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Arsenal’s players celebrate a famous turnaround achieved by three second-half goals - Reuters/Paul Childs
If Arsenal were going to overturn this Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid they needed Alessia Russo, their star striker, to step up.
When they went into half-time with the score at 0-0, still trailing 2-0 from their defeat in Spain last week, it looked as if their lack of potency in the final third was going to cost them.
Russo had been guilty of not getting herself into the right positions to finish some of the fantastic crosses Chloe Kelly was putting into the box. But with Arsenal seemingly heading for disappointment, Russo showed why she can be one of best forwards in the world.
She scored seconds after half-time to kick-start Arsenal’s comeback. Kelly, who was outstanding, then set-up Mariona Caldentey for the equaliser three minutes later.
Russo then scored the decisive goal, reacting quickly to fire in from close-range. She twice thought she had netted a hat-trick but was denied for offside, once by VAR and once by the assistant referee.
Arsenal will now meet eight-time champions Lyon and their former manager Joe Montemurro in the semi-final.
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Alessia Russo scored the goal that settled the tie with an instinctive finish - Getty Images/David Price
It is hard to feel much sympathy for Real Madrid, who did not show up in north London after what had been an impressive performance in the reverse fixture.
There was no doubt that both teams were treated to better conditions at the Emirates than they were at Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium last week.
The Spanish club came under significant criticism for the state of their pitch, which was branded a “f-----g disgrace” by Arsenal legend Ian Wright and “dangerous” by England manager Sarina Wiegman.
Last week’s poor conditions saw Real Madrid midfielder Melanie Leupolz suffer a season-ending knee injury after losing her balance on the turf, meaning she was unavailable for this second leg.
Arsenal had given themselves a mountain to climb by conceding a late second goal in the first leg but boss Renee Slegers had maintained her side were good enough to overturn that deficit.
An early goal would have been priceless and the hosts had plenty of opportunities to find one. Chloe Kelly put a number of dangerous crosses into the box that were begging to be finished, but her team-mates were a little slow to react.
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Chloe Kelly was instrumental to everything Arsenal did well as an attacking force - Getty Images/Adrian Dennis
There was a slight sense of irony that Arsenal were missing a clinical touch in the final third, much like Mikel Arteta’s team on numerous occasions this season.
Their best chance of the half came when Mariona Caldentey met one of Kelly’s out-swinging corners, but the forward could only send a free header over the crossbar.
Caitlin Foord then also sent a header over after meeting Alessia Russo’s chipped delivery.
For all their possession in the first half, Arsenal only forced Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez into one save - which was fairly routine.
As they had done in the first leg, Real Madrid looked dangerous on the counter-attack and Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar had to be alert to keep out Filipa Angeldahl’s long-range strike to prevent her side having even more of an uphill battle.
If Slegers had told her players at half-time they needed to get on the end of Kelly’s brilliant deliveries, it was advice her side instantly took on board. Russo finally met one of her deliveries at the back-post before Kelly then picked out Caldentey, who headed in the equaliser.
Arsenal maintained their pressure and were rewarded when Russo put them ahead in the tie for the first time. The striker was quickest to react to Steph Catley’s knockdown and sent a first-time finish into the top right corner. Russo deserved a hat-trick but twice saw goals ruled out for offside.
Match details
Arsenal (4-3-3): Van Domselaar 7, Fox 7, Williamson 7, Catley 7, McCabe 7, Mariona 7, Little 7, McCabe 7, Maanum 7 (Walti 73, 6), Foord 7, Kelly 8 (Mead 73, 6), Russo 8
Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Cooney-Cross, Pelova, Kafaji, Blackstenius
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Misa 5, Garcia 6, Mendez 5, Lakrar 5, Olga 5 (Redondo 76, 5), Toletti 5, Angeldahl 6 (Yasmim 76, 5), Weir 6, Caicedo 5, Athena 5, Bruun 5 (Feller 76, 5)
Subs: Laia, Sofia, Antonia, Moller, Camacho, Navarro, Noemi, Dorado, Elsa
Referee: Silvia Gasperotti (Italy)
Attendance: 22,517
10:18 PM GMT
Alessia Russo on half-time turnaround
When asked about the turnaround at half time, and what was said, Russo told TNT Sports: “We knew we were doing well in the first half. We felt good. We felt like we had momentum and we said we wanted to be more patient in the final third because we knew we needed to score. Chloe put in some great crosses which set up the first two goals and then we were persistent and probably should have had more to be fair.
The week has been busy but we have all been locked in. Tonight is when you enjoy the football. We enjoyed the crowd and we will enjoy tonight.”
10:16 PM GMT
Chloe Kelly shares joy on social media
Chloe Kelly has only been off the pitch for a handful of minutes, but she has already shared her joy at reaching the semi-finals on social media:
10:14 PM GMT
Alessia Russo: One of my best nights in an Arsenal shirt:
“It was amazing,” Alessia Russo tells TNT Sports.
“Still feels a bit surreal right now, not really let it sink in yet. We’ve had a lot of belief all week.
“I think so [it was one of her best nights in an Arsenal shirt]. Hopefully long may that continue, but yeah that was special. VAR ruined that one but I should have scored a third anyway!
“We knew that we were doing well in the first half, as a team we felt like we had momentum. We knew we needed to score, Chloe [Kelly] put in some great crosses which set off the first two goals, and we were just consistent - we probably should have got a few more.”
10:12 PM GMT
Full time: Arsenal to play Lyon in semi-finals
Arsenal will take on Lyon in the semi-finals and stay tuned for manager and player reaction to the thrilling match at the Emirates.
10:01 PM GMT
Full time: Another memorable European night at the Emirates
Another memorable European night at the Emirates for Arsenal. Just as they did against Bayern Munich two years ago, they’ve come from behind in a quarter-final to reach the semis. This one though, overturning a 2-0 deficit, is even more impressive. Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly were the standout players but from front to back, every player played their part. A semi-final against Lyon and their former manager Joe Montemurro awaits.
09:54 PM GMT
Full time: Arsenal overturn two goal deficit to beat Real Madrid
The coaching staff sprint onto the field to congratulate the players, while the Madrid team can only stop where they were when the whistle blew in almost disbelief at the way the Gunners have come at them.
A blistering two goals at the start of the half set that all up for Renee Slegers’ side.
09:52 PM GMT
Full time: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Arsenal have held on to the win and secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
After suffering a 2-0 defeat in Madrid they managed to overturn the deficit at the Emirates with a powerful second half display.
Alessia Russo scored twice and had two goals ruled out for offside, and after a nervy opening 45 minutes with little final product, it clicked for the Gunners in the second half.
Arsenal will take on Lyon in the next round.
09:50 PM GMT
90+3 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Van Domselaar is in the right place at the right time to make a strong save to deny Linda Caicedo’s shot, she beat Williamson to the ball and made space.
Catley blocked a shot from the follow up, from Athenea.
Arsenal have to hold their nerve here.
09:48 PM GMT
90+2 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Real Madrid have the ball inside the Arsenal half, it hasn’t happened often in this match but at the end of the first half van Domselaar had to make a crucial save.
This time the defenders are able to win the ball back comfortably.
09:46 PM GMT
90 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Another Arsenal change, Kim Little leaves the field for Stina Blackstenius.
There will be six minutes of added time, the Arsenal fans have not enjoyed that particular announcement.
09:44 PM GMT
88 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Alessia Russo wants her hat-trick and she thought she had it!
The flag goes up for offside, and again it looked close, but VAR has ruled the striker just broke the line.
09:43 PM GMT
86 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Arsenal are chasing down everything, they have been exceptional in the second half although missfired a lot in the first.
Once the crosses started finding their intended targets, Real had no answer and they are less than five minutes away now from a meeting with Lyon in the semi-finals.
09:41 PM GMT
84 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
There are less than 10 minutes to go for Arsenal to hold onto their lead and secure their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
09:39 PM GMT
83 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
It’s a new Women’s Champions League quarter-final record crowd of 22,517 at the Emirates tonight and they have made themselves known - in the second half especially.
The record is the new highest attended game of the round in England.
09:38 PM GMT
82 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Alessia Russo had a chance to bury the game!
She won the ball back and carved out space to shoot in the box but it was too close to Misa who made a good save to parry the ball wide.
09:37 PM GMT
81 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Real Madrid should be the side attacking from the scoreline, but it has continued to be all Arsenal in this half so far.
Will those changes have time to make an impact?
Arsenal have another chance, with a corner headed just wide by Russo.
09:36 PM GMT
80 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Another Arsenal free kick, this one just outside the area on the left hand side.
Mead takes and almost looks like she went for goal, but it’s headed clear and out of the path of the arriving Leah Williamson.
09:33 PM GMT
76 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Time for the Real changes: Olga comes off for Alba Redondo, Signe Bruun for Naomie Feller and Filippa Angeldahl has been replaced by Yasmim.
09:31 PM GMT
75 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Arsenal make their first substitutions of the match with Chloe Kelly coming off for Beth Mead.
Frida Maanum was also replaced by Leah Walti.
09:29 PM GMT
GOAL DISALLOWED 71 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Alessia Russo thought she had scored a hat-trick.
Again she was just in the perfect place to beat her marker and tuck the cross into the back of the net.
Her lunge was times to perfection and it was another good cross from Frida Maanum, but VAR judged the Arsenal forward to be offside and the goal will not count.
09:24 PM GMT
68 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Katie McCabe sends in another Arsenal corner, it’s towards the back post but Russo and Catley get in each other’s way slightly and the ball goes out for a goal kick.
09:22 PM GMT
66 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Arsenal are throwing everything at this now, trying to keep Real away from the ball.
They are first to every ball and it has been a real momentum shift since the first half.
09:19 PM GMT
63 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
Now that Arsenal have the lead, it has to force Real Madrid to change their tactics.
They were not prepared at all for this second half onslaught after weathering the storm with ease in the first half.
Can they find a way back into this tie now they’re a goal behind?
09:16 PM GMT
GOAL - Russo - 59 mins: Arsenal 3 Real Madrid 0 (3-2)
That was exceptional from Alessia Russo!
She was off balance when the cross came in but managed to hit the ball first time and hook the ball into the back of the net after it was headed down by Catley.
Best goal of the game so far, and it puts Arsenal in the lead.
09:12 PM GMT
56 mins: Arsenal 2 Real Madrid 0 (2-2)
09:10 PM GMT
52 mins: Arsenal 2 Real Madrid 0 (2-2)
Since the goal the game has become a little bit more frantic from both sides, but the crowd have certainly got behind their team.
A lot of the nervous energy from the first half has dissapated with the quickfire double.
09:06 PM GMT
GOAL - Caldentey levels - Arsenal 2 Real Madrid 0 (2-2)
Almost immediately after the restart, Arsenal have another!
Caldentey was unmarked in the box and just had to beat the goalkeeper with a powerful head.
Another assist for Chloe Kelly, and whatever Renee Slegers said at half time has immediately had an impact!
09:03 PM GMT
GOAL - Alessia Russo - 46 mins: Arsenal 1 Real Madrid 0 (1-2)
With the first attack of the second half, Arsenal have pulled one back!
Caitlin Foord drove forward in the midfield and the cross was inch-perfect from Chloe Kelly.
Alessia Russo beat her marker and slotted the ball into the back of the net. Game on for Arsenal.
09:01 PM GMT
46 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Real Madrid get the second half underway.
08:52 PM GMT
Half time: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
08:49 PM GMT
Half time: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
08:47 PM GMT
Half time: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2) - Stat attack
Arsenal have had 65 percent possession, and five attempts on goal.
Of their 30 attacks, and seven corners, Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa has made just one save, the same as Van Domselaar.
Renee Slegers only has 45 minutes to try and turn this around and prevent Arsenal exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage.
08:45 PM GMT
Half time: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal finish off the ball with another promising ball across the face of the box...that yet again amounts to nothing.
08:42 PM GMT
42 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have had all the possession and chances, but it’s the visitors who came closest to breaking the deadlock!
Van Domselaar had to be alert to deny Angeldahl’s driving shot from the edge of the area.
That’s a reminder of the dangers in this Madrid side and what they can offer.
08:40 PM GMT
40 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Are Arsenal getting frustrated? Caldentey has just committed a cynical foul by pulling a shirt.
The Gunners are rapidly approaching half time, and have just 50 minutes to score two goals, and stay in the Champions League.
08:36 PM GMT
36 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have corner after corner, but they aren’t coming close to forcing Misa into making a save.
For the amount of play that has been in and around the Real area, the goalkeeper has has surprisingly little to do.
The Gunners need to work on the quality of their delivery rather than the quantity.
08:33 PM GMT
33 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Are Arsenal getting closer? Caitlin Foord launches herself at a header as the ball is lifted into the box by Russo but takes a bit of a clattering on the way down.
That has given the crowd a bit of a lift and she is applauded back to her feet.
08:32 PM GMT
32 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Caldentey wins yet another corner for Arsenal, they take it short and again cannot beat the first player in the Real box.
A promising chance is played back to the goalkeeper and the Gunners have to build from the back. Again.
08:29 PM GMT
30 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Chloe Kelly has been putting some fantastic crosses into the box but her team-mates are not getting on the end of them.
08:27 PM GMT
27 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Real have weathered the storm so far, but will they be able to take a foothold in this match?
If they get one goal suddenly Arsenal will find themselves with an even bigger mountain to climb, although the home side have not had to do much defending so far.
08:26 PM GMT
23 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have a free kick just outside the area and another chance to get the ball in the box and cause Real some issues.
Katie McCabe launches the ball into the box, but it’s too easy again for Real to defend.
08:26 PM GMT
23 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have had a corner and a free kick and managed to put the ball into dangerous areas, but Real have been equal to both of them.
08:18 PM GMT
19 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
08:16 PM GMT
16 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Another cross is swung into the area, this time by Chloe Kelly but it’s too high for everyone and goes out for a goal kick.
It looks like kelly and Caitlin Foord have swapped wings, with Kelly on the right and Foord on the left.
08:13 PM GMT
13 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have another corner, but Real Madrid so far have stayed resolute at the back...although they still cannot get out of their own half.
It could be a long 90 minutes for the defenders in grey.
08:11 PM GMT
10 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
That was the chance they had been waiting for!
The corner was swung into the box and both Steph Catley and Mariona Caldentey were in the area waiting, it falls to the later who makes good contact but her header goes just over the bar.
08:10 PM GMT
9 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal can still not find a way into the Real box, a probing ball aimed in the direction of Alessia Russo was cut out just before the line.
Arsenal have a corner.
08:06 PM GMT
6 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have continued to keep the tempo high and have dominated the ball, but have been unable to find any space in the final third against a well-organised Real Madrid side.
08:02 PM GMT
3 mins: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Arsenal have started brightly and are quick to chase down absolutely everything.
It feels very frantic and very early in the game but in the opening three minutes, Real have been unable to get out of their own half.
08:00 PM GMT
1 minute: Arsenal 0 Real Madrid 0 (0-2)
Alessia Russo gets the game underway.
07:57 PM GMT
Kick off imminent
The players have emerged onto the pitch at the Emirates, after a light show and rendition of the Arsenal song, now it’s time for the Champions League anthem and then the match will start.
07:52 PM GMT
Renee Slegers insists there is still hope
Renee Slegers told UEFA.com: “It’s only half-time [in the tie]. When we’re at our best, we’re really good. We scored two goals in 90 seconds last Saturday, so we believe in what we can do.”
07:49 PM GMT
Lotte Wubben-Moy excited and focused for the match
“I’m doing it for the girls out there really,” Wubben-Moy said on the pitch.
“I’m excited for tonight. There is nothing like being at the Emirates.
“We’re really focused, we’re ready and I think it will be a fast start tonight.”
07:46 PM GMT
The Emirates is filling up
07:38 PM GMT
First leg reminder
Renée Slegers’ side suffered a damaging defeat in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo giving Real Madrid a 2-0 victory, the biggest talking point was not the game, but the state of the pitch.
This Real Madrid surface was barely acceptable for a Sunday League match. It was in part responsible for their first goal, with Leah Williamson failing to control the ball due to the conditions, which allowed Caicedo to pounce and finish. Williamson will reflect that she should have done better, but she will no doubt feel aggrieved that the state of the pitch played a part in her error.
To read the full report by reporter Kathryn Batte, click here.
07:33 PM GMT
Renee Slegers’ programme notes
Renee Slegers acknowledges the challenge Arsenal will face: “Of course a two-goal deficit is not an insignificant one to overturn, but, as we showed at the weekend, we’re more than capable of being ruthless in both boxes.
“The surface also gives us an opportunity to play everything at a higher tempo and move the ball around freely to create some beautiful passages of play. When we play the Arsenal way, it’s unbelievable hard to stop us.
“Real Madrid will come to London with a lot of confidence after last week’s result. They have a lead to protect and we know they will be tough to break down. But this is a chance to prove who we are.”
07:20 PM GMT
Amanda Ilestedt’s journey back from pregnancy
Telegraph Sport has spoken to Arsenal and Sweden defender Amanda Ilestedt at various points over the past few months to gain an insight into her journey back to the football pitch after becoming a mother…
Ilestedt takes her place on the Arsenal bench tonight to face Real Madrid and to read the full story click here.
07:12 PM GMT
Ella Toone in the audience
07:05 PM GMT
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid XI: Misa; Sheila Garcia, Mendez, Lakrar, Olga, Toletti, Angeldahl, Weir, Linda Caicedo, Bruun, Athenea
¡Nuestro XI inicial!
Our starting XI!
@ArsenalWFCpic.twitter.com/mt3Ju3qGhn
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadridfem) March 26, 2025
07:01 PM GMT
Arsenal make no changes from Liverpool victory
Arsenal have named the same starting XI as the one that beat Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday.
Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Caldentey, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo
Substitutes: Zinsberger, Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Walti, Cooney-Cross, Pelova, Mead, Kafaji, Blackstenius
06:57 PM GMT
Arsenal try and overcome two-goal deficit
Good evening and welcome to The Telegraph’s live coverage of the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals as Arsenal try and overturn a two-goal deficit to stay in the competition.
The first leg in Madrid at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium was overshadowed by the state of the pitch, which Ian Wright summed up as a “f----- disgrace”, that came three days after the state of the pitch was also one of the main talking points in the Women’s League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
The pitch affected the play, Leah Williamson failed to control the ball, and Real Madrid’s Melanie Leupolz suffered an injury when her studs caught in the mud as she attempted to play a pass.
This time around there can be no such excuses. Arsenal will be playing at the Emirates, in front of a big crowd, and fresh off the back of a comfortable 4-0 win against Liverpool at the weekend.
The Gunners have overcome deficits before. Against Bayern Munich in the group stages they were handed a 5-2 drubbing in Germany but looked a different side and battled to a 3-2 win to secure their place at the top of Group C.
That is what Arsenal will have to channel tonight against a Real Madrid team who just have to lose by less than one goal.
It will be a difficult challenge for Renee Slegers’ side.
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