Arsenal triumphs over Real Madrid and reaches Champions League semi-finals
- Arsenal overturned a two-goal deficit to win the quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.
- The match drew a record crowd of 22,517 at the Emirates Stadium, a first for an English team in a Women's Champions League quarter-final.
- Renee Slegers described the win as a significant achievement and a crucial step for Arsenal's ambitions in the tournament.
In March 2025, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal staged an incredible comeback to defeat Real Madrid in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Gunners displayed remarkable determination and skill, winning the second leg 3-0 and securing a 3-2 aggregate victory. A crowd of 22,517 witnessed this historic match, setting a Champions League attendance record for a quarter-final featuring an English team. The pivotal performance came from Alessia Russo, who scored two crucial goals, showcasing her talent and composure under pressure. Arsenal's coach, Renee Slegers, highlighted the team's belief and calmness as essential in reversing a seemingly bleak situation, particularly during a tense half-time where they knew they needed to execute a plan to secure their progression in the tournament. The team is now set to face eight-time Champions League winners Lyon in the semi-finals, with aspirations to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2007. Slegers emphasized the importance of this win not only for morale but as a testament to the club’s ambitions in European football, showcasing their resilience and capacity to perform on big nights. Arsenal's journey is significant not just for their current achievements, but also in the broader context of women's football, where they aim to position themselves among the elite of the sport on the biggest stage in Europe.