Williamson to use memorable Bayern comeback as fuel for Madrid clash

Leah Williamson believes Arsenal’s previous Women’s Champions League quarter-final comeback in 2022-23 can fuel a fightback in their second leg clash with Real Madrid.

The last time Arsenal reached the final four of the competition came two years ago, when they came from a goal down to win 2-1 on aggregate against Bayern Munich.

Renee Slegers’ team find themselves in a similar position this time around, losing to Madrid 2-0 in the first leg in the Spanish capital last Tuesday.

Indeed, the Gunners are looking to progress from a Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg away for the second time in succession.

Arsenal have progressed three times in total out of seven such situations, and Williamson, who was part of that team two years ago, believes anything is possible.

“The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory,” Williamson said.

“Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it. Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football.

“And when the good things happen, you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad, but you call them when you need them.”

Ready for business. pic.twitter.com/lqbBUQL8Lu

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 26, 2025

The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007, when they became the first English club to do so, which still remains almost 20 years on.

And Williamson believes that legacy only serves to spur the current squad on, with this perhaps their only chance of lifting silverware this season.

“I know the people that came before me that won that Champions League for Arsenal want us to be the only club to have done it. So we take that on as well,” Williamson added.

“It would be incredible [to win it again]. I’m an Arsenal fan. I grew up at this club so that’s the dream. I think it’s a dream for everybody.

“We keep working until that becomes possible and we can make that happen. Tomorrow night is another step in that journey.”