´In tough moments, we always rise´ – Russo salutes Arsenal´s character after Madrid comeback

Alessia Russo paid tribute to Arsenal’s character, highlighting their ability to “always rise” in tough moments following their comeback victory over Real Madrid.

Renee Slegers’ side came from behind to prevail 2-1 winners at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium on Wednesday.

The Gunners trailed to Caroline Weir’s first-half volley, but a pair of second-half headers from Russo turned the contest on its head.

Russo got on the end of crosses from England team-mates Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead, to take her tally for the Champions League campaign to four goals.

“It was a really important win,” the forward said. “I think we know the attitude of the team. We’d seen it a lot last year. In tough moments, we always rise.

A beautiful curling cross from Chloe to Alessia’s headed finishpic.twitter.com/07VOLFvF3j

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 20, 2025

“You can never count us out, and I think we felt that [on Wednesday]. We were really dominant in our second-half performance. Now, we want to build on that going forward.

“We can score all we want, but if we’re not defensively solid, I don’t believe you win championships and you win tournaments. I think our backline and our back four were really solid, and really important for us as well.”

Russo also praised Arsenal’s supporters, who braved the inclement weather conditions to roar their side on to victory.

“Tough conditions, but our fans were amazing. They were with us through it all,” she added. “It was so nice.

“Not an easy night to come out, [it was] freezing. But it’s amazing to have their support; they’re so loud, they carry us through the tough moments. They’re really special.”