It looks like Arsenal Women have their backs against the wall in the coming week. Boy, is it a do-or-die situation for the Gunners as they face a crucial test in the return leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Already trailing 2-0 on aggregate, they need nothing short of a miracle to turn things around. While many fans have a gut feeling that the Londoners’ European journey is nearing its end, Jenna Nighswonger thinks otherwise—she dares to dream of lifting the prestigious trophy.

“We’re honestly just excited about going into the next two games against Real Madrid as a team,” is what Arsenal’s newest left-back said before her side’s opening leg against Los Blancos on March 17. Unfortunately, a 22-minute strike from Colombian sensation Linda Caicedo and another one from Athenea del Castillo in the 82nd minute was enough for the Spanish giants to assert their dominance. But with the return leg taking place next week on March 26, they have a fast approaching opportunity to give it their all.

Otherwise, a heartbreaking early exit awaits. No wonder Jenna Nighswonger is keeping her fingers crossed. “It’s most important to just focus on the game that you have ahead. We want to be ready to put our best foot forward in closing out the year with the WSL and then hoping and competing to win the Champions League now,” said Nighswonger while speaking to Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game podcast.

Even though having joined the WSL giants mid-season in the recent January window, the versatile defender is confident in her teammates’ ability to perform the magic required for them to win the European Cup. In fact, not just outside the domestic front; the Gunners have their eyes on the Women’s Super League as well. Not an easy feat but there’s nothing athletes love more than a challenge.

Coincidentally, Arsenal’s men’s side is also drawn against Real Madrid in the quarterfinal of the iconic tournament. However, by the time Mikel Arteta and Co. play both legs against Carlo Ancelotti’s men on April 8 and April 16, the future of the women’s team in the Champions League will already have been decided.

But coming back, Renee Slegers and Co. need to figure out a foolproof plan in order to ace their crucial test against the Madrid women. Keeping a clean sheet while scoring 3 goals is a tall task but a necessary one. Yet, scoring two would at least help them take the match to extra time or even penalties, where they may fancy playing with their fate.

Honestly, the biggest motivation for Arsenal should be to take revenge against Real Madrid. Speaking of which, they have another chance at revenge coming up right ahead in just a few hours.

Jenna Nighswonger and her Arsenal teammates eye another payback

On Saturday evening, Arsenal Women also gear up for their crucial WSL clash against Liverpool. Unfortunately, just days ago, they faced the wrath of Merseyside, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup quarter-finals. While the whole team shares responsibility, goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar seemed to have had a particularly bad day at the office.

The Dutch goalie made countless errors during the match, which could have seen the Reds score more goals than they did. However even after weathering that storm, fate just wanted to give van Domselaar a tough one. Liverpool’s No. 10, Sophie Román Haug, took a shot just outside the six-yard box. Although it initially hit the left post, it deflected off the back of Van Domselaar, who had already dived to make the save, and went in.

The final whistle blew as the Gunners’ FA Cup dream shattered. Regardless, tomorrow, they are again facing their arch-rivals for a WSL clash. If they win, they will stay in second place and potentially increase their tally to 39 points. Plus, they’ll have a chance to get their revenge in the domestic cup. Who knows? This probable victory may also motivate them to etch something historic vs Real Madrid as well!