Alessia Russo’s second-half double earned Arsenal a 2-1 comeback win 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 bounce back from last week’s defeat to Bayern Munich.
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.
