The England striker’s two-goal performance in the second half inspired the home side to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Real Madrid in the WCL.
First Half Dominance but Visitors Strike Just Before the Break
The hosts generated numerous chances during the first half, but former Arsenal player Caroline Weir put Real Madrid ahead on the brink of the interval with a brilliant strike.
The winger sent a menacing corner into the box in the opening stages, but Frida Maanum headed wide. Shortly after, the Scot had a opportunity stopped at the opposite goal.
Olivia Smith lifted an effort above the bar as Arsenal pressed for an early goal, and the Madrid goalkeeper collected Maanum's subsequent shot.
Stunning Goal Puts the Visitors the Advantage
The defender made a strong challenge to turn the forward’s shot behind for a set-piece. In spite of their solid start, Arsenal fell behind in the 43rd minute after a stunning finish from Weir.
A bending free-kick was headed by Steph Catley into the way of Weir just inside the box, and she smashed a volley past Daphne van Domselaar.
Russo Leads Second Period Fightback
The German had an shot deflected after the interval, but the Gunners equalized in the 53rd minute when Kelly’s cross was nodded over Rodríguez by the forward.
Smith had a mis-hit shot collected by Rodríguez before Arsenal seized the advantage in the 67th minute. Beth Mead delivered a corner to the striker positioned on the border of the six-yard area, and the attacker directed a thumping header home.
Final Moments and Win Sealed
Russo continued to cause problems and was called for being beyond the last defender on two occasions after getting into dangerous positions.
Alba Redondo broke forward for the visitors in the dying minutes but had her shot held by the Arsenal keeper as the home side secured the victory.
