Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Introduction
Under the floodlights at a sold-out Meadow Park, Arsenal Women hosted Spanish giants Real Madrid in a pivotal UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage clash. With both teams looking to assert dominance in Group C, the stakes were high. Arsenal, looking to bounce back from mixed domestic form, faced a Real Madrid side unbeaten in the group. What followed was a tactical battle defined by efficiency, resilience, and a masterclass in finishing from Alessia Russo. This report breaks down every key moment, statistic, and tactical shift from a memorable night in Borehamwood.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Match Info
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Match Report & Final Score
- Competition: UEFA Women’s Champions League (League Phase – Matchday 4)
- Matchday: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Venue: Mangata Pay UK Stadium (Meadow Park), Borehamwood
- Final Score: Arsenal Women 2 – 1 Real Madrid Women
- Goal Scorers:
- RMD: Caroline Weir (43′)
- ARS: Alessia Russo (53′, 67′)
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Full-Time Score Summary
Arsenal Show Character to Overcome Real Madrid
Arsenal Women staged a vital second-half comeback to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 and leapfrog their opponents in the group standings. Despite Real Madrid registering more shots (13) and controlling parts of the game, Arsenal were far more clinical in the decisive moments. A stunning volley from Caroline Weir gave the visitors the lead, but Alessia Russo’s aerial dominance turned the tie around with two headers in the second half. The victory was built on defensive discipline—conceding zero “Big Chances”—and ruthless efficiency in the final third.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Highlights & Key Events
- 15′ – CHANCE: Real Madrid register their first shot on target; saved comfortably by Van Domselaar.
- 43′ – GOAL! (Real Madrid 0-1): Caroline Weir haunts her former club. A cross isn’t fully cleared, and Weir strikes a sweet volley into the corner.
- 53′ – GOAL! (Arsenal 1-1): The equalizer! Chloe Kelly whips in a cross, and Alessia Russo loops a header over Misa Rodríguez.
- 67′ – GOAL! (Arsenal 2-1): The winner. Arsenal win a corner, and Alessia Russo powers home her second header of the night.
- 90+4′ – FULL TIME: Arsenal manages the final minutes well to secure the 2-1 win.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – First Half Analysis
Madrid’s Volume vs. Arsenal’s Patience
Real Madrid controlled the tempo in the first half, using their 47% possession effectively to transition quickly. They outshot Arsenal, firing from distance and testing the backline, but struggled to break through the low block. Arsenal looked to counter but lacked precision. The deadlock was broken by a moment of individual brilliance from Weir, punishing Arsenal just as they looked to get into halftime level.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Second Half Analysis
The xG Difference
Arsenal emerged with a clear plan to utilize set-pieces and crosses. Despite Madrid continuing to shoot on sight (ending with 13 shots), Arsenal’s defense prevented any high-quality openings (0 Big Chances conceded). Arsenal, conversely, generated 2 Big Chances and converted both. The introduction of width stretched Madrid, allowing Russo to dominate the aerial battle. The stats show a game where Madrid had quantity, but Arsenal had quality (1.12 xG vs 0.64 xG).
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Decisive Moments
- Weir’s Opener (43′): Forced Arsenal to abandon their conservative game plan.
- Arsenal’s Set-Piece Strategy: Winning 6 corners to Madrid’s 1 allowed them to apply sustained pressure.
- Russo’s Second Goal (67′): The defining moment of quality that Madrid could not answer.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Player of the Match
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
- Performance: 2 Goals, 1.12 xG contribution.
- Summary: The difference-maker. In a game of tight margins, her clinical finishing in the air won the match.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Player Ratings
Arsenal Women (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Van Domselaar – 7.5
- DEF: Fox – 7.0, Williamson – 7.5, Catley – 7.0, McCabe – 7.0
- MID: Wälti – 6.5, Little – 7.0
- ATT: Mead – 7.0, Maanum – 6.5, Kelly – 7.5, Russo – 8.5 (MOTM)
Real Madrid Women (4-2-3-1):
- GK: Misa – 6.0
- DEF: Carmona – 6.5, Mendez – 6.0, Lakrar – 6.0, Oihane – 6.0
- MID: Leupolz – 6.5, Abelleira – 6.5
- ATT: Caicedo – 7.0, Weir – 7.5 (Goal), Del Castillo – 6.0, Redondo – 5.5
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Tactical Breakdown
- Arsenal: Focused on efficiency. With 53% possession, they didn’t just hold the ball; they worked it into wide areas to win corners (6 total). Their passing was secure (81%), ensuring they weren’t caught open on the break.
- Real Madrid: Relied on volume shooting. They took 13 shots but had an xG of only 0.64, meaning the average quality of their shots was very low (approx 0.05 xG per shot). They failed to penetrate the box, settling for long-range efforts.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Statistical Comparison
| Stat | Arsenal Women | Real Madrid Women |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.12 | 0.64 |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Total Shots | 10 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 5 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 6 | 1 |
| Passes | 372/458 (81%) | 345/420 (82%) |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Top 5 Performers of the Match
- Alessia Russo (ARS): Scored both goals; clinical.
- Caroline Weir (RMD): Scored and was Madrid’s creative hub.
- Chloe Kelly (ARS): Provided the assist for the equalizer.
- Leah Williamson (ARS): Key to keeping a “0 Big Chances” defensive record.
- Linda Caicedo (RMD): Constant threat, registering the most shots for Madrid.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Underperformers / Weak Links
- Real Madrid Attack: 13 shots but 0 Big Chances highlights poor decision-making.
- Real Madrid Set-Piece Defense: Conceded from a corner and looked vulnerable in the air.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Substitutions Impact
- Chloe Kelly (ARS): High Impact. Provided width and an assist.
- Alba Redondo (RMD): Low Impact. Failed to change the scoreline.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Manager Reactions
Renée Slegers (Arsenal):
“We showed great character. The stats show it was tight, but we created the big moments and took them.”
Alberto Toril (Real Madrid):
“We had more shots and played good football, but we lacked that final touch. You get punished at this level.”
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Player Reactions
- Alessia Russo: “It’s a massive win. The team fought hard, and I’m happy to get the goals.”
- Caroline Weir: “Disappointing to lose after going ahead. We need to be more clinical.”
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – What This Result Means
- Arsenal: Moves into a strong qualifying position with 6 points.
- Real Madrid: Drops points but remains competitive in the group.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Next Fixture for Both Teams
Arsenal: vs Liverpool Women (WSL)
- Real Madrid: vs Eibar Women (Liga F)
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Match Facts
- Attendance: Sold Out.
- Referee: Ivana Projkovska.
- Stat: Real Madrid had more shots (13) but lower xG (0.64), proving Arsenal’s superior chance quality.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – Final Verdict
A game of efficiency versus volume. Real Madrid shot on sight but failed to create a single big chance. Arsenal were patient, dominated the set-piece battle (6 corners to 1), and utilized their “Big Chances” (2) perfectly to secure a 2-1 win.
Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women – FAQs
Q1: Who won the Arsenal Women vs Real Madrid Women match?
A: Arsenal Women won the match 2-1.
Q2: Who scored the goals?
A: Caroline Weir scored for Real Madrid (43′), while Alessia Russo scored twice for Arsenal (53′, 67′).
Q3: What was the xG (Expected Goals) for the match?
A: Arsenal had an xG of 1.12, while Real Madrid had an xG of 0.64.
Q4: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Alessia Russo was named Player of the Match for her two goals and overall impact.
Q5: Did Real Madrid create any big chances?
A: No, despite taking 13 shots, Real Madrid failed to create a single “Big Chance”
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