By admin 
Three goals in 13 second-half minutes was enough for Arsenal women to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit against Real Madrid and progress to the Champions League semi-finals.
Alessia Russo scored either side of a Mariona Caldentey goal in a 3-0 win to set up a mouth-watering tie against eight-time winners Lyon in the last four.
Russo had two goals ruled out for offside on a memorable night for the Gunners at the Emirates, witnessed by 22,517 supporters, a record crowd for an English team in a Women’s Champions League quarter-final.
SECURING OUR SPOT IN THE SEMI-FINALS! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OfJtZRw70g
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 26, 2025
Real had given themselves the advantage last week in Madrid courtesy of goals from Linda Caicedo and Athena del Castillo and were looking to protect that lead in north London on Wednesday.
But Renee Slegers’ side proved more than worthy of their victory with a gutsy, astute performance in front of their home fans that sparked jubilant celebrations at the full-time whistle.
Following a goalless first half, the hosts took the lead almost immediately after the restart as a pin-point cross from Chloe Kelly found Russo who poked home.
The second goal came just three minutes later when another delivery from the impressive Kelly was met by Caldentey, the Spaniard directing her header beyond Misa Rodriguez in the Real goal.
And the comeback was complete just before the hour mark when Steph Catley headed Katie McCabe’s freekick back across goal where Russo was waiting to pounce on the bouncing ball.
From there, Russo had two goals chalked off but, in the end, the three goal lead proved enough to see Arsenal, who are currently trail Chelsea by eight points in the WSL title race, through to the semi-final of a competition that might realistically be their only shot at silverware this season.
Arsenal men’s team will be hoping to emulate that feat when they meet Los Blancos in the Champions League last eight in April.