In a pulsating Champions League encounter, Arsenal edged past Real Madrid with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Meadow Park.
It’s a result which could prove pivotal in their campaign. The Gunners showed grit and demonstrated smart football under pressure, while Real Madrid flashed moments of creativity but ultimately fell short.
As it happened
Arsenal started off well, dominating early possession and pushing Real Madrid back into their defensive third. For all their control, though, Arsenal lacked precision in the final third.
It was Caroline Weir who eventually punished Arsenal’s hesitancy. Towards the end of the first half, a loose pass in midfield gifted Madrid space to surge forward. Stephanie Cately was quick to head the ball away from Arsenal’s goal but this set up a powerful volley from Weir which flew straight into the net.
The goal rattled Arsenal, who struggled to regain composure. Their passing grew sloppy, their tempo uneven, and frustration flickered in the stands. Despite Olivia Smith’s energy and a late first-half header from Alessia Russo that drifted wide, the Gunners went into the break trailing-and with questions to answer.
Arsenal emerged with intensity and purpose, and far more conviction in the final third. Chloe Kelly, starting on the right, began to find space and delivered the moment of the game. Ten minutes into the half, she whipped in a pinpoint cross towards Russo, who looped a header over the Madrid defence. Relief washed over the ground.
The equaliser energised Arsenal. The pressing sharpened, passing became quicker, and Real Madrid suddenly looked stretched. Less than ten minutes later, the turnaround was complete. From a corner whipped in by substitute Beth Mead, Russo, perfectly positioned, guided another header past Misa Rodríguez for 2-1.
Madrid tried to respond, pushing higher and testing Arsenal’s defensive structure. Naomie Feller fired wide from a promising position, Linda Caicedo forced Daphne van Domselaar into an important stop near the end, but Arsenal managed the closing stages far more efficiently than in recent matches.
The Lineups
ARS: Van Domselaar; McCabe, Cately, Wubben-Moy, Fox; Caldentey, Cooney-Cross; Smith, Maanum, Kelly; Russo
RMA: Misa; Yasmin, Lakrar, Méndez, Navarro; Angeldahl, Däbritz; del Castillo, Caicedo, Weir; Feller