Report

Arsenal hosted Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, starting the game with a 2-0 deficit. The atmosphere in the stadium and the energy from the players gave the evening a buzz of excitement.

A first half full of high press from Arsenal led to no joy, with Madrid’s defence withstanding the Gunners’ waves of attack, but 44 seconds after half time, Alessia Russo sent the Emirates wild when she opened the scoring, with Mariona Caldentey following suit not long afterwards. 

A third goal coming from a brilliant Russo strike, put Arsenal ahead of the Spanish side, rewarding Arsenal for their consistent possession, press and passion.

After 6 painful minutes of added time, which included a few final attempts from Real Madrid, the final whistle blew, sending the crowd wild, and Arsenal through to the semi-final.

A second chorus of North London Forever here after Arsenal’s emphatic comeback at the Emirates!@GoonerFanzine pic.twitter.com/BvCW6EIkI3

— Isobel Gilligan (@isobelgilligan) March 26, 2025

Player ratings:

Daphne van Domselaar  8/10

Amazing double save to keep it 0-0 just before half time. Accurate passing out under pressure. Otherwise, not too busy of an evening, and a great clean sheet.

Emily Fox  8.5/10

Kept Caicedo very quiet, and her pace down the right was a key part of the first half’s press. So reliable as always.

Leah Williamson 8.5/10

Held position well from the start, with effective balls out from the back onto the right wing. Won a lot of one-on-one battles, especially in the air.

Steph Catley 8/10

Held the formation well to prepare for Madrid’s counter attacks, good at sweeping up the balls at the back and passing out to the sides. 

Mariona Caldentey 8/10

Immediately more involved than she was in the first leg, making herself available all over the pitch, drifting into useful areas, eventually leading to the second goal. 

Kim Little 8/10

Was able to bring some more physicality today, held the ball well in the midfield when needed, great to see the skipper on form. 

Katie McCabe 8/10

Great tenacity as usual, had to keep Caicedo’s threat neutralised in the second half and did so successfully.

Frida Maanum 7.5/10

Effective movement and positioning throughout, good at drawing defenders out of their formation. It was a shame the goal she assisted was ruled offside, but a good game nonetheless, subbed off in the second half.

Chloe Kelly 8.5/10

Brilliant crosses and pace, seemed to get the weight of pass spot on, assisted the first two goals with said crosses. Subbed off in the second half after a great shift.

Caitlin Foord 8/10

Good pace and pressure on Madrid’s defence. Really important part of this evening’s effective press. 

Alessia Russo 9.5/10

Great work rate in the final third, opened the scoring with a crucial goal only 44 seconds into half time. Brilliant strike to make it 3-0, brilliant press and hold-up throughout.

Beth Mead (Sub, 72')

Lia Wälti (Sub, 72')

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, 90')

Subs not used: Manuela Zinsberger, Naomi Williams, Laia Codina, Amanda Ilestedt, Jenna Nighswonger, Katie Reid, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Victoria Pelova, Rosa Kafaji