Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid: Russo´s pair of headers seal comeback win

Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal came from behind to beat Real Madrid thanks to two second-half headers from Alessia Russo.

The Gunners claimed just their second win of this season’s European campaign, although they had to do it the hard way at Mangata Pay UK Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal managed just three shots in the first half, with none of those hitting the target, and Madrid made their hosts pay for a sloppy performance when former Gunner Caroline Weir volleyed home in the 43rd minute.

Yet Arsenal were much improved after the restart, and dragged themselves level as Chloe Kelly crossed in for Russo, whose looping effort floated in over Misa.

Russo made a much firmer connection in the 67th minute for what proved to be the winner, as she powerfully nodded in from Beth Mead’s corner.

The England international squandered a chance to complete her hat-trick, though Arsenal were not made to pay for that profligacy, albeit Madrid’s Alba Redondo might have done better when she shot straight at Daphne van Domselaar in stoppage time.

Back to winning ways pic.twitter.com/20IpuMhpwj

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 19, 2025

Data Debrief: Russo on a roll

Russo has already netted four goals in this Champions League campaign, which is just three shy of her total from last season.

The 26-year-old had three attempts, trailing only Olivia Smith (four) among Arsenal’s squad, while also winning six of her 13 duels.

Russo won two aerial duels, both of which resulted in goals.