Arsenal needed something special to book their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals – and how they produced it.
The 3-0 second-leg win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which sealed a 3-2 victory on aggregate, was arguably the most significant result under manager Renee Slegers so far.
Six months ago when she replaced Jonas Eidevall, then as interim boss, Arsenal’s season looked set to be one of huge disappointment.
Now they find themselves among the elite, preparing to face record eight-time European champions Lyon – coached by former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro – for a place in the final.
“It’s important for the club and the players,” said Slegers. “They are part of Arsenal because they want to go far in tournaments, win things and be on the biggest stage.
“So it’s important for us. I’m very happy with the result and we’re going into the semi-finals.”
Alessia Russo was the star on a magical night at Emirates Stadium as she scored twice and had a further two goals ruled out for offside.
England team-mate Chloe Kelly grabbed two assists, with Spain forward Mariona Caldentey joining Russo on the scoresheet during a ruthless second-half display which saw the Gunners score three times in 13 minutes.
It was only the second time a club has overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit in the quarter-finals of the competition, with Arsenal having done so against Torres in 2004, losing 2-0 away before a 4-1 home success.
“Without a doubt, that Arsenal team ran all over Real Madrid,” said former England captain Steph Houghton on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“In those 13 minutes, where they scored three goals, they were absolutely relentless and that’s what you have to be at this level. They were outstanding.”
