Alessia Russo paid tribute to Arsenal’s character and highlighted their ability to “always rise” in difficult moments after their comeback win over Real Madrid.
Renee Slegers’ team came back from behind to win 2-1 at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gunners fell behind to Caroline Weir’s first-half volley, but a pair of second-half headers from Russo turned the game on its head.
Russo received crosses from England teammates Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead, taking her total for the Champions League season to four goals.
“It was a very important victory,” said the forward. “I think we know the attitude of the team. We saw that a lot last year. In difficult moments we always rise.”
A beautiful curling cross from Chloe to the head finish from Alessiapic.twitter.com/07VOLFvF3j
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 20, 2025
“You can never leave us out, and I think we felt that [on Wednesday]. We were really dominant in the second half. Now we want to build on that.
“We can score all we want, but if we are not solid defensively, I don’t think you win championships and win tournaments. I think our backline and our back four were very solid, and also very important for us.”
Russo also praised Arsenal’s supporters, who braved the poor weather conditions and roared their side to victory.
“Tough conditions but our fans were great. They got through it all,” she added. “It was so much fun.
“Not an easy night to get out, [it was] freeze. But it’s great to have their support; they are so loud that they carry us through the difficult moments. They are really special.”
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