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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Pa Sport Staff

Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid: Alessia Russo scores twice to lead Gunners comeback in Women's Champions League

At the double: Alessia Russo celebrates with Chloe Kelly after scoring Arsenal’s first goal against Real Madrid - (AFP via Getty Images)

Alessia Russo's second-half brace earned Arsenal a 2-1 comeback win over Real Madrid in the Women's Champions League.

The Gunners enjoyed plenty of opportunities during the first half but Caroline Weir sent the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time with a brilliant volley.

Russo then starred for Arsenal after the break with two headed goals to help the defending champions bounce back from last week's defeat to Bayern Munich.

Chloe Kelly sent a menacing corner into the box in the opening minutes but the ball was nodded wide by Frida Maanum and moments later Weir had an opportunity stopped at the opposite end.

Olivia Smith sent an effort over the crossbar as Arsenal pushed for an opener and Misa Rodriguez scooped up Maanum's attempt.

Emily Fox made a solid block to turn Athenea's strike behind for a corner and despite their solid start, Arsenal fell behind in the 43rd minute following a stunning strike from Weir.

A curling free-kick was headed by Steph Catley into the path of the Scotland international just inside the box and she smashed a volley past Daphne van Domselaar.

Sara Dabritz had an effort blocked after the break but Arsenal levelled in the 53rd minute when Kelly's cross was nodded over Rodriguez by Russo.

Smith had a scuffed shot collected by Rodriguez before Arsenal took the lead in the 67th minute when Beth Mead launched a corner into Russo lurking on the edge of the six-yard area and the striker fired a thumping header home.

Russo continued to cause problems and was flagged for offside twice after getting into promising positions.

Alba Redondo broke forward for Real in the final stages but had her effort held by Van Domselaar as Arsenal saw out the win.

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