Arsenal came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 and get their Women’s Champions League campaign back on track.
An evenly balanced first half ended in Real Madrid’s favour as a moment of brilliance from Caroline Weir carved open the Gunners’ defence, the Scot volleying home against her former side late in the first half.
But two sublime headers by Alessia Russo lifted the mood at Meadow Park after the restart, with Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead providing the assists for their England teammate from two set-pieces.
The result leaves the title holders on two wins and two losses from their four league phase games. But it was a glum evening for Madrid again months on from their quarter-final defeat last season, as Arsenal completed another remarkable comeback on home turf to keep their hopes of defending their title alive.
Follow all the action here.
Arsenal v Real Madrid | Women's Champions League live
- Arsenal bid to get their Women's Champions League campaign back on track
- Kick-off at 8pm | Live on disney+
- Gunners lost two of three opening matches and face undefeated Real Madrid
- Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Cooney-Cross, Mariona, Maanum, Kelly, Smith, Russo
- Real Madrid XI: Rodriguez, Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Yasmim, Angeldahl, Dabritz, Weir, Athenea, Feller, Caicedo.
- '67 GOAL! Russo double completes turnaround [ARS 2-1 RMA]
- '53 GOAL! Russo guides home header to drag Gunners level [ARS 1-1 RMA]
- '43 GOAL! Weir thumps in stunning volley to break deadlock [ARS 0-1 RMA]
Alessia Russo: 'We have to be locked in'
22:48 , Flo CliffordShe continues: “I feel like I understand the nine [role] more. As a ten I really have to lock in defensively because it's such a different responsibility. I will play anywhere. I have to adapt my game a little bit, they are both different but ultimately I want to be as close to the goal as possible, in between the sticks.
Is this what they need to get their season properly off the mark? “I hope so. We go off to the international break now so people can reset and refresh ready for a massive block before Christmas. We've got Leuven and Twente but we need to win both. We have to be locked in as soon as we get back from internationals.”
Alessia Russo: 'We know what it takes, we've got it in us'
22:38 , Flo CliffordArsenal goalscorer Alessia Russo tells Disney+: "It was a really important win. We've probably not had the results that we've wanted in the last block, but it was important to come here and pick up a result tonight in the Champions League, so we are really happy.
“Maybe not pressure as such [on Arsenal as title holders] but more that our standards are really high and we want to be winning as much as possible. We know what it takes, we know we've got it in us, and I don't think we've seen it as consistently as we would have liked, so we were happy to get the win and three points.
On her first goal, she says: "When Chloe is on the pitch I know what kind of delivery she is looking to get in the box. We spoke about the areas I like to attack and the areas she likes to get the ball in, and I just got on the end of it.”
Caroline Weir: 'We played well but it wasn't quite enough'
22:23 , Flo CliffordReal Madrid’s Caroline Weir tells Disney+: “Nice to score but one goal wasn't really enough. We needed a bit more in the second half. We created a few more chances but Arsenal were always in the game and came out in the second half and scored two. So I'm a little bit disappointed. We played well but it wasn't quite enough tonight. Against a tough team like Arsenal it's always going to be difficult.
“They came out really aggressive in the second half, in the wide areas especially. On the transition we were always dangerous but we didn't quite take our chances. We had a few half chances and you don't get many of them so you need to take them, and unfortunately we didn't do that tonight. Then the set piece goal is disappointing."
“As players it's really exciting,” she says of the new league phase. “Every game is different. We are playing top teams every time in this format and points, whether that is a win or draw, is so important in the table. I'm enjoying it. It's cool to play different teams. Tough games, every game is so tough, but as a player it's exciting.”
Tonight's other results
22:12 , Flo Clifford- Juventus 3-3 Lyon
- Wolfsburg 5-2 Manchester United
- Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
- Paris FC 2-0 Benfica
- Valerenga 2-2 St Polten
Arsenal are up to eighth in the table with six points, Real Madrid down to sixth, just one point ahead.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
22:01 , Flo CliffordArsenal are back on top after a shaky start. Caroline Weir produced a moment of individual brilliance but Arsenal pulled things back in the second half, overwhelming the Real Madrid defence and just about hanging on.
Alessia Russo was superb all night and it’s her two headers that made the difference at Meadow Park.
FULL-TIME: Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:55 , Flo Clifford90+5 mins: A brilliant comeback by Arsenal is complete!
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:51 , Flo Clifford90+3 mins: Arsenal counter - this is a breathless spell. A long, low ball finds Blackstenius, through on goal, but it runs away from her a little and her marker smothers.
Cooney-Cross comes off for Laia Codina as the hosts try to shore things up.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:50 , Flo Clifford90+2 mins: Redondo sprints down the left, latching onto Weir’s ball, but her shot is poor and van Domselaar lands on it gratefully. Good chance for Real Madrid, wasted.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:49 , Flo Clifford90 mins: FIVE minutes added on. Can Arsenal hold on?
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:48 , Flo Clifford90 mins: Arsenal continue to push. Foord lays it off for Mead on the right flank, with Fox there to make a fine overlapping run... but her shot is blocked.
Mead takes the resulting corner, but it’s too deep. Hinds collects and finds Wubben-Moy; Arsenal clear but only as far as Caldentey.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:46 , Flo Clifford88 mins: McCabe is down on the deck and there’s a break in play for her to be attended to, using up some minutes nicely.
One of the Arsenal staff gets a yellow, not quite sure why.
McCabe will in fact come off, for Hinds, while Blackstenius replaces Russo. No hat-trick for her, but she gets the biggest cheer of the night as she goes off.
CHANCE! Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:42 , Flo Clifford83 mins: Definitely not out of the woods yet. Arsenal get a huge reprieve as Garcia flashes across the face of goal, and Caicedo isn’t near enough at the far post to turn it in.
Another change for the visitors: Yasmim is off for Santiago, a defender for a forward. Throwing the kitchen sink at this one.
CLOSE! Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:39 , Flo Clifford81 mins: Russo is absolutely everywhere at the moment. Cooney-Cross lays it off for her at point-blank range, but Misa gets her outstretched hand to it - and the flag’s up anyway.
CLOSE! Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:37 , Flo Clifford79 mins: And again! That would have been a wonder goal had it gone in, Maanum holds the ball up and squares to Russo, who lets fly from the edge of the box - agonisingly wide!
Meadow Park sings her song, full of belief again.
CLOSE! Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:36 , Flo Clifford78 mins: Oooh, Russo wants a hat-trick as she’s released by a low ball from Mead, but goes just a fraction too early, flashing narrowly wide! She covers her head in frustration. The flag goes up anyway, but it was very tight.
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:34 , Flo Clifford75 mins: It’s been a remarkable comeback but Arsenal aren’t in the clear just yet. They don’t clear their lines properly and Yasmim capitalises, but flashes a shot narrowly wide!
Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:29 , Flo Clifford71 mins: The goal stands!
Meadow Park is bouncing now.
Immediate changes by Real Madrid: Athenea, Dabritz and Feller are off, Keukelaar, Redondo, Irune Dorado on.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Real Madrid
21:26 , Flo Clifford67 mins: Garcia deflects McCabe’s ball behind, the corner falls to Russo, and it’s another great header!
She was tussling with Angeldahl though, and VAR will look at it...
Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:22 , Flo Clifford63 mins: Substitutions for Arsenal now. Kelly looks frustrated to be coming off. Mead is her replacement.
Smith, bizarrely, is the other sub, this time for Foord. Odd choice given how threatening she’s been looking.
Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:20 , Flo Clifford62 mins: Much better from Arsenal. Another cross is knocked down in the centre of the box by Russo for Smith, but the Canadian slips as she hits the volley and Misa falls onto it gratefully.
Brief break as the ref checks on Russo, who gets clattered in the face going for the ball in the air.
Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:19 , Flo Clifford60 mins: Arsenal have the momentum now, although Feller snatches it back with a dangerous cross into the area that just rolls beyond Athenea and Caicedo.
Arsenal come again and work it forward to Russo on the edge of the box, but Navarro is there to make the block.
And that’s Navarro’s last contribution, as she’s replaced by Sheila Garcia.
Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:15 , Flo Clifford57 mins: Smith drives in again from the left, swings it in and Misa gets to it - but spills! Kelly gets a needless yellow for tripping the keeper as she gets back up.
GOAL STANDS! Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:13 , Flo Clifford54 mins: After a nervy wait, the goal stands! A third goal in four games for Russo.
Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:12 , Flo CliffordVAR are checking this for offside, however...
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Real Madrid
21:12 , Flo Clifford53 mins: Totally against the run of play, Arsenal are back in this!
It’s a great ball in by Kelly, high and curling in, but it’s simply a superb header by Russo, lobbing Misa and into the back of the net!
Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
21:10 , Flo Clifford52 mins: It’s been all Real Madrid so far. Arsenal get bodies back as Athenea, pinned to the backline, tries to work the ball to a waiting teammate but Catley sends it out.
Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
21:08 , Flo Clifford49 mins: Smith drives into the area and lets fly but her shot is blocked, thumping off Mendez.
Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
21:07 , Flo Clifford48 mins: No changes for either side at the break, by the way.
Weir seems to have been turbo-charged over half-time; she’s everywhere now, releasing Dabritz, but her shot is blocked.
SECOND HALF: Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
21:05 , Flo Clifford46 mins: Back underway!
Arsenal give the ball away immediately, absolutely dreadful, Weir lays it off sweetly for Caicedo but her attempt is wide.
Weir goes again but it’s straight at van Domselaar! Not the start Arsenal wanted.
HALF-TIME: Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
20:52 , Flo CliffordArsenal’s poor start to their Champion’s League campaign continues. They’re heading for their third defeat in four outings as it stands.
Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
20:48 , Flo Clifford45+1 mins: Smith whips in a ferocious cross but Yasmim knocks it down to Misa... although not quite, and Arsenal win the corner.
It’s straight into Misa’s gloves, and that’s the final kick of the half.
Arsenal behind at the break, having not created enough and been undone by a moment of brilliance by Caroline Weir.
Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
20:47 , Flo Clifford45+1 mins: Van Domselaar was just rooted to the spot then. A brilliant goal by the unmarked Weir; Arsenal must have thought they’d cleared the danger but reckoned without their former player.
One extra minute to this half.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Real Madrid
20:45 , Flo Clifford44 mins: Boos ring out as Dabritz whips in the free-kick from deep on the right; Catley gets her head to it but Weir is perfectly placed to catch it - she volleys it in, thumped into the back of the net!
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:43 , Flo Clifford41 mins: Kelly isn’t happy as she feels she got the ball before Athenea, but referee Silvia Gasperotti doesn’t agree. Misa takes the resulting set-piece at a leisurely pace.
It’s getting rather scrappy in the middle of the park, neither side able to maintain possession for long.
A long ball finds Feller who flicks it on for Caicedo, but van Domselaar is wise to it, and a Real cross is easily gathered by the keeper too. But now Caldentey gives a free-kick away in a dangerous area...
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:40 , Flo Clifford39 mins: Real have a free-kick in a promising spot on the left, but it comes to naught.
Now Maanum concedes possession cheaply and alarm bells go off as the ball is worked forward to Feller with the Frenchwoman through on goal. She lets fly a right-footed shot with the Arsenal defence beaten but van Domselaar isn’t too troubled by it, and the flag then goes up for offside.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:34 , Flo Clifford33 mins: Athenea dances into the box but Fox covers her well, and it looks like the ball takes a slight deflection as the Madrid player shoots, but it leaps over and behind for a corner.
It’s knocked on and picked up by Russo; Arsenal counter as she finds Caldentey... Smith jinks inside and goes down in the box after a Dabritz challenge. Cries for a penalty from the fans, followed by boos as they don’t get one.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:31 , Flo Clifford30 mins: Russo wins a corner. Kelly whips it in but Misa leaps into the air to save, and nearly wipes herself out in the process.
Madrid come forward in numbers now, but are a little cautious, and Arsenal win it back. Calendetey nutmegs Linda Caicedo as they tussle for the ball.
Kelly launches a deep ball from the left - having switched sides with Smith - but it drops too far from Maanum.
CLOSE! Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:28 , Flo Clifford26 mins: Misa is called into action again from another Kelly cross, but a Real defender gets in the way before it can drop for Maanum.
Now a great ball over the top by Real and Feller has Arsenal beaten but van Domselaar reads her well and is able to clear.
Arsenal work it forward again, Russo is just a fraction offside as she chips it forward to Maanum but Misa blocks!
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:22 , Flo Clifford21 mins: Feller tries to break into the box but has two defenders for company and McCabe chases her out of the area.
Meadow Park is ‘allez allez allez’-ing and scarf-swinging, in high spirits despite the hideous temperatures.
Kelly whips in another lovely cross but Lakrar is there to clear! Another delivery finds Russo but Dabritz sticks to her doggedly and snuffs it out.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:20 , Flo Clifford19 mins: This has felt evenly balanced so far. Both sides have had chances but not quite been able to make them count, Maanum’s wide header a huge let-off for the visitors and the best chance so far.
McCabe gets chopped down but after a moment to recollect herself is okay to carry on.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:17 , Flo Clifford15 mins: Caldentey plays it through to McCabe, who releases Smith... Meadow Park gets excited, and again as Caldentey comes forward, but Caicedo breaks... a lunging challenge by Wubben-Moy brings an end to that, well-timed.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:13 , Flo Clifford11 mins: Feller chops down Cooney-Cross and concedes the foul.
Russo does well to hold up the ball and lay it off for Smith, but her attempt blasts over the bar, not enough bend on it.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:10 , Flo Clifford8 mins: Russo curls in a ball deep from the right for Kelly but it’s nodded away at the far post and Madrid clear at the second time of asking.
But the Gunners concede possession cheaply and are in a spot of bother. Weir goes for goal on the spin but strikes Wubben-Moy - Real raise eyebrows at the ref in search of a penalty, but her hand was tucked away by her side, it would have been harsh.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:07 , Flo Clifford6 mins: Smith wins the first corner of the game; Kelly’s delivery is brilliant but Maanum nods her header just wide, and really should do better.
Del Castillo reads Kelly well and aims for Caicedo but misplaces the pass and Wubben-Moy recovers for Arsenal.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:05 , Flo Clifford4 mins: Former Barcelona player Caldentey plays it forward as Arsenal venture out of their half. Kelly is there on the right flank and floats in a sweet cross but Misa is alert to the danger and collects.
Real give the ball away cheaply and are lucky a long-range shot is blocked. Much better from Arsenal now, showing more intent.
Arsenal 0-0 Real Madrid
20:03 , Flo Clifford1 min: Real Madrid start as they mean to go on; Weir has a shot blocked inside the opening 20 seconds.
KICK-OFF: Arsenal vs Real Madrid
20:01 , Flo CliffordAfter much jumping up and down to get warm, Real Madrid get things underway!
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
19:58 , Flo CliffordThe players are walking out into a very chilly Borehamwood. Moments to go...
Team news reminder
19:53 , Flo CliffordArsenal XI: van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Cooney-Cross, Maanum, Caldentey, Kelly, Russo, Smith.
Real Madrid XI: Misa, Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Yasmim, Angeldal, Dabritz, del Castillo, Weir, Caicedo, Feller.
Pau Quesada: 'We're coming without any fear'
19:47 , Flo CliffordReal Madrid manager Pau Quesada said: “We're coming to the home of the European champions, but we're coming without any fear. We want to be ourselves, set the pace of the game, and bring the intensity we're used to. They're tough opposition and we'll have to neutralise their strengths with the weapons we have. We're not worrying about where we're playing.
“They're a hugely dynamic team. Against Lyon and Bayern, they put in two good performances, the results don't reflect those games. They do a lot with the ball, press very high, and they're a complete unit. They're putting on some great displays - perhaps they're just lacking that clinical edge to improve their results. They're a great side and I'm sure they'll achieve their goals.”
Renee Slegers: 'We gave it away'
19:40 , Flo CliffordRenee Slegers spoke about Arsenal’s hit-and-miss campaign so far in her pre-match press conference.
“We don’t deny it, we acknowledge it’s difficult. We also know the strength of the team. We know what we’re capable of and the strengths we have in the squad.
“Bayern was a good first half against a top opponent. Second half, we of course try to be critical of ourselves, we gave it away.
“A lot of games and a short turnaround into a north London derby. Compared to last year and how easy it was for us to score goals with the type of opportunities we created, that’s a little bit harder for us at the moment.”
Countdown to kickoff
19:35 , Flo CliffordIt’s absolutely Baltic at Borehamwood.
Arsenal stunned by thrilling Bayern Munich comeback in Women’s Champions League
19:30 , Flo CliffordArsenal were stunned in the Women's Champions League after Bayern Munich staged a remarkable second-half comeback to clinch a 3-2 win in Germany.
A dominant first-half display saw the defending champions go ahead through Emily Fox and Mariona Caldentey but Bayern responded after the break with efforts from Alara Sehitler and Pernille Harder to leave the game in the balance with 10 minutes left.
Glodis Perla Viggosdottir had the final say to hand Arsenal a second defeat in the competition while Bayern posted back-to-back wins.
Arsenal stunned by thrilling Bayern Munich comeback in Women’s Champions League
Arsenal defender Katie Reid to miss rest of season after ACL injury in training
19:20 , Flo CliffordArsenal will be without one of this season’s breakout stars this evening after 19-year-old defender Katie Reid ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) earlier this month.
She is the seventh Women’s Super League player this season to suffer the injury, a list that includes Arsenal teammates Manuela Zinsberger and Michelle Agyemang, who is currently on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion and who tore her ACL while playing for England against Australia in October.
Arsenal defender Katie Reid to miss rest of season after ACL injury in training
How the table looks
19:10 , Flo CliffordAs it stands with two games already underway tonight, Barcelona are top of the league phase table with three wins from three games, on nine points.
Wolfsburg, Juventus and OL Lyonnes make up the rest of the top four.
Real Madrid are in seventh on seven points, with Arsenal four spots back on three, just ahead of Valerenga inside the top 12 playoff places.
Team news - Real Madrid
19:04 , Flo Clifford📋 ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadridfem) November 19, 2025
✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/e5gTDY6Dyt
Line-ups - Real Madrid
19:02 , Flo CliffordReal Madrid XI: Rodriguez, Navarro, Mendez, Lakrar, Yasmim, Angeldahl, Dabritz, Weir, Athenea, Feller, Caicedo.
Substitutes: Laia, Tellez, Rocio, Redondo, Shei, Bennison, Holmgaard, Andersson, Keukelaar, Irune, Silvia Cristobal, Iris Ashley
Team news - Arsenal
18:51 , Flo CliffordThree changes for Renee Slegers’ side after their goalless draw at Tottenham at the weekend.
Chloe Kelly, Olivia Smith and Frida Maanum are into the starting XI, with Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord and Stina Blackstenius dropping to the bench.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 19, 2025
🪄 Cooney-Cross in the centre
🔥 Kelly on the wing
⚡️ Smith starts in the XI
Let’s do this - COYG 👊
Line-ups - Arsenal
18:46 , Flo CliffordArsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley (C), McCabe, Cooney-Cross, Mariona, Maanum, Kelly, Smith, Russo
Substitutes: Borbe, Liddiard, Codina, Hinds, Nighswonger, Harwood, Pelova, Mead, Foord, Blackstenius
Predicted line-ups
18:30 , Flo CliffordArsenal XI: Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Mead, Cooney-Cross, Caldentey, Foord; Russo, Blackstenius.
Real Madrid XI: Misa; Navarro, Lakrar, Mendez, Holmgaard; Feller, Angeldal, Dabritz, Weir; Redondo, Caicedo.
Team news
18:12 , Flo CliffordSlegers confirmed Leah Williamson is continuing to progress in her recovery from a knee problem after returning to training, but she will not be available for tomorrow. Katie Reid and Manuela Zinsberger are out for the season with long-term knee injuries.
Real Madrid are without their first-choice goalkeeper Merle Frohms after she tore her posterior cruciate ligament last month.
How can I watch it?
18:00 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK can watch the game live on Disney+. Subscriptions start at £5.99 per month.
When is Arsenal vs Real Madrid?
17:50 , Flo CliffordArsenal’s clash with Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 19 November at Meadow Park in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
17:40 , Flo CliffordArsenal will be hoping to rediscover European form of last season as they welcome Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League.
The Gunners have had a difficult start to the new campaign after losing two of their first league-phase outings, sandwiching victory over Benfica between defeats to Lyon and Bayern Munich.
Last week’s result at the Allianz Arena was particularly hard to swallow, throwing away a two-goal lead to be beaten 3-2 by Bayern as Arsenal experienced a second-half capitulation.
After another underwhelming result in the North London derby on the weekend - playing out a goalless draw at Spurs - Renee Slegers’ side need to pick themselves up as they take on a Real Madrid side undefeated in Europe so far this season.
Welcome
17:31 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of tonight’s Women’s Champions League clash between holders Arsenal and high-fliers Real Madrid.
The last time these two met on the Gunners’ home turf was a memorable one. Let’s see if tonight is another classic...
