Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid result - Alessia Russo brace inspires Gunners to timely UEFA Women’s Champions League comeback win over Real Madrid

Alessia Russo scored a second-half brace to inspire Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Real Madrid at Meadow Park in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Defending champions Arsenal had picked up just three points from their first three matches in the league phase, leaving them at risk of missing out on qualification for the knockout phase even via the play-off round.

And The Gunners looked in trouble against an impressive Real Madrid outfit when they went in a goal down at the break in Borehamwood, conceding shortly before the interval when Caroline Weir volleyed in superbly from the edge of the box.

But Arsenal breathed life back into their campaign and significantly strengthened their chances of finishing in the play-off spots thanks to a second-half comeback that was spearheaded by Player of the Match Russo.

Russo’s first, on 53 minutes, was a superb header, looped over the goalkeeper after the England forward had held off her marker to meet Chloe Kelly’s lofted cross.

And it was Russo who found the back of the net again 14 minutes later, meeting substitute Beth Mead’s corner and clinically turning home.

A much-improved Arsenal side protected their lead for the remainder of the match, with Russo a constant threat until her substitution in the 88th minute, and Renee Slegers’ side will head into their final fixtures against Twente and Oud-Heverlee Leuven with renewed confidence of a run into this competition's latter stages.

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This result is big for Arsenal, who would have slipped out of the qualification spots had they lost tonight. As it is, they’re up to ninth, with the top 12 going through to the knockouts (four straight into the quarters and the rest into a play-off round). The Gunners now have a three-point buffer over Atletico Madrid in 13th, and are one point behind Real Madrid, who slip to sixth, two points outside those top four spots.

This game was decided by an absolutely brilliant performance from Arsenal’s centre-forward Alessia Russo, who scored both goals and was close to bagging a hat-trick. Real Madrid’s defence just couldn’t handle her, as she posed a threat throughout in the final third while also playing a crucial part in the build-up for her side. She was already a terrific player, but seems to have stepped up yet another level over the last year or so, and very few are close to her standard right now.

The final whistle goes and Meadow Park erupts in celebration of a 2-1 comeback win. That is a huge result for Arsenal.

Real Madrid break and Redondo is played into space in the Arsenal half. She bursts towards the box and opts to shoot, but her effort is straight into the arms of Van Domselaar. She really should have done better there – it’s a huge let-off for the Gunners.

Some fresh legs are added in the hope of closing it out.

A win tonight would be a massive boost for the Gunners and make them much more comfortable in the battle for the play-off spots. Real Madrid have a habit of scoring late goals in this competition though, so it’s crucial that the home side keep their focus.

A cross bounces right across the face of the Arsenal goal and two Real Madrid forwards can’t quite get a touch. That was so close to the equaliser, although replays suggest it may have been offside in the build-up. It’s a warning shot for the Gunners in any case.

Russo is slipped in behind again and is denied by a brilliant save from the keeper. The flag goes up again, but it looked tight once more.

Russo makes a brilliant run in behind and flashes a shot fractionally wide. She was offside too, probably, the flag went up anyway, although VAR would definitely have taken their time with that if it had gone in. Russo is a cut above in this game, and it’s just as well for Arsenal. Moments later, Russo skips away from a challenge on the edge of the box and fires in a brilliant effort that skims just past the other post.

Real Madrid attack well and Mead lunges in to a poor challenge just outside the area. The referee allows play to continue and a follow-up shot fizzes wide, but the visitors would probably have rather had the free-kick there, especially with the prospect of Weir taking it. A slice of fortune for Mead.

The visiting manager brings on fresh legs right after that Arsenal second goal. They’ll be frustrated to be behind tonight, Real, having played pretty well. The changes mean Weir is playing a bit higher in the shape.

It’s Alessia Russo again. Mead whips a cross into the mixer and the England striker loses her marker and meets it with a deft finish. VAR checks for a foul, but there’s not enough in it and the goal stands. Arsenal lead and it’s Russo at the double! 2-1.

Foord and Mead come on, replacing Kelly and Smith, in a straight swap on the wings.

A harmless-looking cross should be cleared by Real Madrid, but makes it way all the way to Olivia Smith at the far side of the box. She’s unmarked and has time, but slips as she goes to shoot and sends a tame effort straight into the arms of the keeper. She punches the ground in frustration.

Navarro is withdrawn, replaced by Sheila Garcia.

Real Madrid win the ball back and put together a beautiful flowing move that ends with an audacious back-heeled flick inside the box. It doesn’t trouble the keeper, but that is such good football.

Smith cuts in and the keeper saves, collecting the ball at the second attempt. She looks to clear the ball quickly and Kelly trips her, needlessly. It’s silly and a very obvious booking.

Arsenal are level and it’s Alessia Russo who gets it. Kelly lofts in a cross, which leaves a lot for Russo to do, but she does it, looping a peach of a header over the keeper to level things up. VAR checks it for offside, but the goal is given! It’s her third goal in this league phase.