Arsenal´s Russo revels in ´surreal´ comeback against Real Madrid

Arsenal hero Alessia Russo revelled in the “surreal” feeling of Wednesday’s stunning Women’s Champions League comeback against Real Madrid after her match-winning turn.

Russo scored twice as Arsenal won 3-0 to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg and tee up a semi-final clash with eight-time champions Lyon.

Arsenal’s goals came in a 14-minute blitz after half-time at Emirates Stadium, with Russo netting either side of Mariona Caldentey’s header, with Chloe Kelly providing two assists.

The Gunners have now come from behind to win successive Champions League knockout ties, having done so against Bayern Munich in 2022-23, while they became the first English side to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in the competition since Arsenal themselves in 2010-11.

Russo told TNT Sports: “It was amazing. It still feels a bit surreal right now, I’ve not really let it sink in yet.

“We had a lot of belief all week, we knew what we wanted to do, we knew what we were capable of as a team and we have done that.

“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 that 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. [This] is when you enjoy the football.”

3-2 – Arsenal are the first English side to overturn a two-goal first leg deficit in a UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout tie since Arsenal themselves in the 2010-11 last 16 against Rayo Vallecano (0-2 first leg, 4-1 second leg). Turnaround. pic.twitter.com/8P9diMkacs

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 26, 2025

Asked if this was her best win while at Arsenal, Russo added: “For sure. Hopefully long may they continue but long may they continue.”

Russo was denied a hat-trick on two occasions by VAR reviews, though her focus is now on how far Arsenal can go in the competition.

“I have full belief in the whole team and the staff. We will get back to work and go again,” she said.

Arsenal have won four straight Champions League home games for only the second time, having previously done so between September 2019 and November 2021.

“We have done really good things before, coming back from setbacks and good performances against top teams,” said Renee Slegers, who has transformed the Gunners since she took over from Jonas Eidevall.

“But this is definitely one of the clearest ones where you play an opponent away, the game looks like it does, the result is what it is, then you have to put this performance and result in.”

Arsenal’s focus will now turn to Saturday’s Women’s Super League clash with Crystal Palace. The Gunners sit second, eight points behind leaders Chelsea.