Arsenal Defeats Real Madrid 2-1 in Women's Champions League

Arsenal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase on Wednesday, securing a vital win for the defending champions at Meadow Park in Borehamwood, England. England striker Alessia Russo scored both goals with headers in the second half, overturning a halftime deficit caused by Caroline Weir's stunning volley for the visitors.

The match began with Arsenal dominating possession and creating early chances. Chloe Kelly delivered a threatening corner in the opening minutes, which Frida Maanum headed wide, while Weir saw an effort saved at the other end. Olivia Smith fired over the bar as Arsenal pressed, and Misa Rodríguez denied Maanum's follow-up shot. Emily Fox blocked Athenea del Castillo's strike to concede a corner, but the hosts' strong start unraveled in the 43rd minute. From a curling free kick headed into her path by Steph Catley, Weir smashed a volley past goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar to give Real Madrid the lead.

After the break, Sara Däbritz had a shot blocked for the visitors, but Arsenal equalized in the 53rd minute. Kelly's precise cross found Russo, who nodded the ball over Rodríguez to level the score. The...