A tale of contrasting fortunes unfolded in the Women's Champions League as Arsenal secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Real Madrid, while Manchester United suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Wolfsburg.
At Meadow Park, Arsenal showcased their resilience, overcoming a first-half deficit to claim a vital win. Real Madrid, previously unbeaten in the competition, took the lead just before halftime with a well-struck volley from Caroline Weir, a former Gunner. The goal came from a free-kick that Arsenal failed to clear, allowing Weir to fire home.
Arsenal, desperate for a win after a string of disappointing results in both the Champions League and the Women's Super League (WSL), responded strongly in the second half. Olivia Smith's energetic play injected impetus into the team. The turning point arrived when Alessia Russo headed in a cross from Chloe Kelly, leveling the score. Russo's header looped over Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.
Driven by the equalizer, Arsenal continued to press, and Russo struck again just 14 minutes later. This time, she headed home from a Beth Mead corner, securing a crucial lead for the Gunners. It was Russo's second brace against Real Madrid, having also scored twice against them in the previous season's quarter-final.
Arsenal managed to restrict Real Madrid to few clear-cut chances and held on for the win, earning three precious points.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Manchester United endured a difficult night against a clinical Wolfsburg side. Despite Fridolina Rolfo giving United an early lead with a header in the 14th minute, Wolfsburg quickly turned the game around.
Ella Peddemors equalized for Wolfsburg just three minutes later, capitalizing on a mistake from Maya Le Tissier after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel. Peddemors then put Wolfsburg ahead, with a cross that eluded several players before finding its way into the net. Lineth Beerensteyn extended Wolfsburg's lead with a powerful shot from distance. Melvine Malard pulled a goal back for United just before halftime, but Wolfsburg remained in control.
In the second half, Wolfsburg continued to dominate. Beerensteyn scored her second goal of the night in the 65th minute, effectively securing the win for the German side. Vivien Endemann added a fifth goal in stoppage time, capitalizing on a poor back-pass from Jayde Riviere.
The 5-2 defeat marked Manchester United's first loss in their inaugural Champions League campaign. Wolfsburg's victory lifted them to third in the standings, while United dropped to fourth.
