Arsenal Women
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women delivered a commanding performance to defeat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, securing their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals.
Heading into the second leg, the north London side suffered a 2-0 setback in Spain last week. However, goals from Mariona Caldentey and a brace from Alessia Russo overturned the deficit in front of a record-breaking crowd of 22,517 – the largest attendance for a UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final in the UK.
The first leg saw Arsenal struggle with wet conditions at Madrid’s Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, where goals from Linda Caicedo and Athena del Castillo gave Real Madrid the advantage. However, back on home soil, Renee Slegers’s team dominated the second leg, controlling much of the first half before breaking through in the second. Russo came close to a hat-trick, but two of her goals were ruled out for offside.
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Arsenal will now face eight-time Champions League winners Olympique Lyonnais in the semi-finals. The tie will be particularly significant as it pits them against their former head coach, Joe Montemurro.
Arsenal Women Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo was twice denied a hat-trick against Real Madrid in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)
Reaching the semi-finals carries substantial importance for Arsenal. Trailing league leaders Chelsea by eight points and already eliminated from the FA Cup, the Champions League represents their last chance at silverware this season. Their progress also solidifies their status as a European powerhouse, following their semi-final appearance in the 2022-23 season when they overturned a deficit against Bayern Munich.
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This achievement is also financially significant. Arsenal’s qualification for the group stages was viewed as essential due to the squad’s strength and depth. Replicating their semi-final run from last season ensures they will receive at least £540,000, with additional performance-related bonuses on the line.
With a stronger squad than last year and momentum on their side, Arsenal will approach their clash with Lyon with renewed optimism, despite facing one of the most dominant teams in European football.
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