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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29848, member: 2262"] Arsenal made an amazing comeback at Emirates Stadium against Real Madrid to reach the Women's Champions League semi-finals. They turned things around with three quick goals after halftime, winning 3-2 overall after both games. Alessia Russo led the charge by scoring twice, helping Arsenal overcome their first-game loss. The home crowd went wild as their team showed incredible heart during this thrilling comeback. The game changed completely right after halftime when Russo connected with Chloe Kelly's perfect cross just seconds into the second half. This goal lifted the mood among nervous fans watching at the Emirates. Just three minutes later, former Barcelona player Mariona Caldentey headed in another great cross from Kelly, putting Arsenal ahead on the night. Russo then struck again in minute 59 from close range, completing the turnaround. Russo almost scored three times more during the match. She thought she had completed a hat trick twice, but the video review ruled both goals offside. She also had another big chance when she broke free against Real goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez but couldn't score. Even without these extra goals, Arsenal played with amazing energy and determination throughout the match, totally deserving their victory. Real Madrid nearly scored just before halftime when the game was tied at 0-0. Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made a crucial save against Filippa Angeldahl and blocked Linda Caicedo's follow-up attempt, though Caicedo was offside anyway. Caicedo tried again during added time at the end, but van Domselaar stopped her shot. Arsenal's Caitlin Foord also missed a chance to score on an empty net under pressure from defenders. This victory marks Arsenal's biggest achievement under manager Renee Slegers and keeps their hopes alive for winning a trophy this season. They have already been knocked out of the Women's FA Cup and trail Chelsea by eight points in the Women's Super League. Next up for Arsenal will be Lyon in the semi-finals, after Lyon defeated Bayern Munich by a combined score of 6-1 across both games. Arsenal needed to overcome a 2-0 deficit from their first game in Spain, and they came out playing with purpose at Emirates Stadium. Their season hasn't gone as planned, but coach Slegers has them performing well in this tournament. England star Kelly caused problems all night for Real Madrid, constantly sending dangerous crosses into the box and running behind their defense. Arsenal dominated the first half completely, with 26 touches in Real Madrid's penalty area and six shots. Kelly kept sending great crosses, but nobody could connect with them. Caldentey had Arsenal's best chance before halftime when she was left completely open during a corner kick but hit the crossbar with her header. Despite playing well, Arsenal had nothing to show for it when halftime arrived. Everything changed just 43 seconds after the second half started. The home crowd stayed positive based on Arsenal's strong first-half play, and the team rewarded that faith with an explosive response. Kelly delivered perfect pass after perfect pass, setting up Russo for the important first goal and then Caldentey's header, which put Arsenal ahead within three exciting minutes. A third goal seemed certain as everything Arsenal tried worked perfectly. Russo deserved to score three goals and almost did it three times. Two potential goals were canceled by video review for narrow offsides, and the Real Madrid goalkeeper made a great save when Russo broke free midway through the second half. But Russo can feel proud knowing Arsenal's European dreams remain alive thanks largely to her excellent performance, which brings her total to six goals in Champions League play this season. Arsenal last reached the final of this competition 18 years ago when they won four trophies in one season. With this impressive comeback, they can start believing again as they prepare to face record champions Lyon next. The victory showed Arsenal's fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure when it matters most. [/QUOTE]

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