Arsenal striker Alessia Russo says the side are prepared for a ‘good’ test against Corinthians after downing AS FAR 6-0 in the Champions Cup semi-final.
The Gunners star was on the scoresheet twice as the London reds defeated Moroccan side AS FAR 6-0 in the semi-final of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. The victory tees up a final against Brazil’s Corinthians, who defeated CONCACAF and NWSL champions Gotham 1-0 earlier in the day.
Reflecting on the performance, Russo praised her side’s ability to ‘set the tone’ on a victorious evening in Brentford.
“I think we’d love to score early in every game, but, you know, it’s not always like that,” Russo reflected following Stina Blackstenius’ 8th-minute opener. “But, it [the game] obviously settles, settles you into the game and settles the nerves down.
“It was important that [we] took the chances. And not only one, we scored a few before half time, which set the tone for the rest of the game.”
Arsenal have ‘the best fans in the world’ says Alessia Russo
Arsenal will return home to Emirates Stadium this Sunday, for a chance to take home the first ever Women’s Champions Cup and crown themselves Champions of the World.
“It would be great,” Russo said on the prospect of winning the trophy in front of the Arsenal faithful. “I mean, it would be even more special. We’re at the Emirates, we’re at home and competing the first time in this tournament at our home.
“So, we’re looking forward to it. I heard that the fans [Corinthians] were really loud today before our game. So it’s great. Our fans, I think, are the best in the world, so they’ll be having a fan-off,” Russo laughed.
“I think as well as lots of people will be looking at it- it will be great and hopefully the atmosphere is really exciting, and so is the game.”
Arsenal are currently the only team competing in the Champions Cup that are in-season, something Russo says they have not given much thought when approaching their preparation.
“We haven’t necessarily looked at that, but I can understand why that’s a thought,” Russo said on the potential advantage that Arsenal may hold. “But, I think any club or any team that has the chance to win a trophy will be ready to perform, and I’m sure they’ve done a lot of prep. We’ve been busy in-season, but we’ll do everything we can to go and win that game on Sunday. So, it’ll be a really good test.”
