Arsenal needed something special to reserve his place in the semifinals of the women’s champions League, and how they produced it.
The 3-0 victory on the second kick over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which sealed a 3-2 victory together, was possibly the most significant result under the Renee Slegers manager so far.
Six months ago, when he replaced Jonas Eidevall, then as an interim boss, the Arsenal season seemed to be a great disappointment.
They are now among the elite, preparing to face the record of the eight times Lyon European champions, trained by the former Arsenal Chief, Joe Montemurro, for a place in the final.
“It is important for the club and the players,” Slegers said. “They are part of Arsenal because they want to go far in tournaments, win things and be on the biggest stage.
“So it is important for us. I am very happy with the result and we go to the semifinals.”
Alessia Russo was the star on a magical night at Emirates Stadium, since he scored twice and had two other discarded goals for offside.
England’s teammate, Chloe Kelly, took two assists, with Spain striker Mariona Caldereny joining Russo on the score sheet during a ruthless exhibition of the second half that saw the Gunners score three times in 13 minutes.
It was only the second time that a club revoked a two-goal first leg deficit in the quarterfinals of the competition, and Arsenal had done it against Torres in 2004, losing 2-0 before a success in the home 4-1.
“Without a doubt, that Arsenal team ran over Real Madrid,” said former England captain Steph Houghton in BBC Radio 5 Live.
“In those 13 minutes, where three goals scored, they were absolutely implacable and that is what you have to be at this level. They were outstanding.”
