Alessia Russo Targets Champions League Glory With Arsenal Against Real Madrid

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Alessia Russo is focused on achieving success with Arsenal in the Women's Champions League. The Gunners are set to face Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg. Russo, who joined from Manchester United in 2023, is currently the second-highest scorer in the Women's Super League with 10 goals and has scored five times in Europe.

Arsenal remains the only English club to have won the Champions League, having achieved this feat in 2007. They are now preparing for their first Champions League encounter against a Spanish team since losing to Barcelona in the 2021-22 group stage. The Gunners have won their last five games in this competition, equalling their longest winning streak.

Renee Slegers took over as Arsenal's head coach from Jonas Eidevall in October. Under her leadership, Arsenal topped Group C despite an initial 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich. Slegers has guided the team to second place in the WSL, winning 18 out of 22 matches across all competitions.

Slegers emphasised that her transition was smooth due to existing foundations at Arsenal. "The foundations were already there," she stated. She highlighted the importance of culture and teamwork, saying, "Culture is very important to get the maximum out of all individuals."

Russo expressed confidence in her team's ability to succeed. "Our goal as a team is to keep progressing," she said during a press conference in Madrid. She aims to contribute significantly to Arsenal's legacy by winning trophies with them.

Challenges and Preparations

The Champions League is Arsenal's main opportunity for silverware this season after being eliminated from the FA Cup by Liverpool and trailing Chelsea by eight points in the WSL. Reflecting on their FA Cup exit, Russo said, "We were really disappointed... but right now, we're fully focused on Madrid."

Slegers plans to utilise insights from Spanish players Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey for their upcoming match against Real Madrid. Both players have experience playing against Las Blancas while at Barcelona.

Slegers explained that Codina and Caldentey provided valuable insights into Real Madrid's style of play and stadium atmosphere. "They know what it's like... they have some more detail," she added.

As Arsenal prepares for their crucial match against Real Madrid, they aim to continue building momentum and showcase their capabilities on Europe's grandest stage.