Fans were on their feet at full-time, singing and waving scarves as the players walked around the pitch receiving their deserved plaudits.
It had been a complete performance from the Gunners - a total turnaround from their placid display in Spain a week before when they lost 2-0.
They pressed with intensity, tested Real Madrid's defence with Kelly's teasing balls and could rely on Russo's sharpness in front of goal.
"It was electric - a masterful gameplan from Renee Slegers and well executed by the Arsenal players," said ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley on 5 Live. "They had to go for it.
"They had so many opportunities in the first half and managed to capitalise in the second half and that's what counts. Real Madrid had nothing left."
Arsenal have had their fair share of success stories at Emirates Stadium. But in a rollercoaster campaign, this was a wonderful high, and a result that will stand out as they booked an eighth semi-final appearance in the competition.
Slegers' first victory in charge as interim manager, a day after Eidevall resigned, was in this competition when Arsenal overcame Valerenga 4-1.
It felt a stretch then to consider them as European semi-finalists but now, having booked their spot in the last four, Slegers admitted this was "probably the clearest" example of their character to fight back.
"We have done really good things before, coming back from setbacks and good performances against top teams," she added.
"But this is definitely one of the clearest ones where you play an opponent away, the game looks like it does, the result is what it is, then you have to put this performance and result in.
10TH80328
No comments:
Post a Comment