Alessia Russo celebrates scoringGetty Images

Arsenal last won the Women's Champions League in 2007

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal completed a brilliant two-goal comeback to reach the Women's Champions League semi-finals as Alessia Russo's double helped them beat Real Madrid at Emirates Stadium.

In a thrilling second-half period, the Gunners showed their ruthless streak to overturn their first-leg deficit and win 3-2 on aggregate.

Russo eased the growing anxiety in the stands when she met Chloe Kelly's curling cross within a minute of the restart to give them the lead on the night.

Former Barcelona midfielder Mariona Caldentey joined in the fun three minutes later when she headed in another fine Kelly cross, before Russo doubled her tally in the 59th minute with a close-range finish.

The England international thought she had bagged her first Arsenal hat-trick, only for the video assistant referee (VAR) to rule out two goals for offside, and she also went through one-on-one with Real goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez but couldn't capitalise.

Nonetheless, it was a brilliant display from the hosts, who were full of intensity and aggression and deserved winners on the night.

Real Madrid's big chance came on the stroke of half-time, with the game finely poised at 0-0, but Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made an important save to deny Filippa Angeldahl and blocked the rebound from Linda Caicedo, who was in an offside position anyway.

Caicedo also went close in added time at the end of the game, but van Domselaar parried the Colombian forward's effort, while, under pressure from Real defenders, Caitlin Foord slotted a finish wide of an empty goal.

This result is the biggest yet under manager Renee Slegers and means Arsenal still remain in contention to win silverware this season, having already exited the Women's FA Cup and sit eight points off Women's Super League leaders Chelsea.

They will face Lyon in the semi-finals after the record eight-time Women's Champions League winners beat Bayern Munich 6-1 on aggregate.

Significant win keeps trophy hopes alive

I have massive belief in our team - Russo

Arsenal had work to do after leaving Spain with a 2-0 deficit last week and they came out full of intent at Emirates Stadium, knowing what was at stake.

Their season has not gone to plan, but boss Slegers has got them back on track in this competition and this will go down as her most significant victory since taking over in January.

England international Kelly was a constant threat, whipping teasing balls into the box and running in behind Real Madrid's backline.

The Gunners had been completely dominant in the first half, having 26 touches in the visitors' box and six shots - but Kelly's inviting crosses had gone untouched.

Their best chance had fallen to Caldentey and she should have scored when left completely unmarked at a corner, but headed the ball on to the crossbar.

But Arsenal had nothing to show for their efforts and momentum had swung in Real Madrid's favour when the teams headed down the tunnel at half-time.

However, the game - and the home side's fortunes - transformed within 43 seconds of the second period.

Buoyed by an optimistic home crowd and their strong first-half display, Arsenal were rewarded for a blistering response.

Kelly delivered one exquisite delivery after another, teeing up Russo for her crucial opener, then Caldentey's header which doubled Arsenal's lead within three explosive minutes.

A third goal seemed inevitable as everything they touched turned to gold and supporters got their money's worth when Russo struck again to cap off an incredible turnaround.

The England forward deserved a hat-trick and had three opportunities to get one – VAR preventing two of them for marginal offsides and visiting goalkeeper Rodriguez resolute to block well as the forward raced through midway through the second half.

But Russo will sleep soundly knowing Arsenal's European hopes remain intact - and she played a major part with a fine frontline performance, taking her Champions League tally this season to six goals.

It has been 18 years since they last reached the final of this competition - when they won a historic quadruple - but they can start believing again as they prepare to face record holders Lyon next.

Player of the match

A. Russo
9.19
23 A. Russo
9.19
18 C. Kelly
8.98
8 Mariona Caldentey
8.48
10 K. Little
8.22
14 D. van Domselaar
8.17
19 C. Foord
8.05
11 K. McCabe
7.89
6 L. Williamson
7.89
7 S. Catley
7.85
2 E. Fox
7.77
9 B. Mead
7.54
25 S. Blackstenius
7.43
12 F. Maanum
7.36
13 L. Wälti
7.34
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