Arsenal’s women secured a decisive 3‑0 victory over Benfica on Saturday, with England striker Alessia Russo delivering a historic hat‑trick that made her the competition’s all‑time leading English scorer. The win lifted the Gunners to second place in the Women’s Champions League group stage, a position that could prove pivotal as they head into the knockout rounds.
The match was a much‑needed turnaround for Arsenal, who had struggled to find the net and had been criticised for unforced errors during the opening two months of the season. Their previous outings had seen a narrow win over HB Køge and a disappointing draw against Paris FC, leaving them fifth in the group with the threat of Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais looming. Head coach Renée Slegers made three changes to the lineup, restoring Ona Batlle to right‑back and giving first‑team debuts to summer signings Élisa De Almeida and Géraldine Reuteler. The squad also retained Taylor Hinds and Caitlin Foord after a solid performance against Tottenham.
Benfica, the Portuguese champions, had a strong identity and had previously beaten Arsenal 2‑0 in the group stage, making the home fixture a must‑win for the Gunners. Arsenal dominated the first half, but the visitors’ defence held firm. Georgia Stanway had an early chance, but it was Arsenal’s Olivia Smith who set the tone, creating a low shot that narrowly missed. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Russo finished a well‑worked move down the left, marking her seventh goal in seven games for both club and country. The goal ended a period of early‑season goal‑scoring struggles for the England international.
The second half saw Arsenal increase their tempo. Smith found Foord on the left, who was denied a clear shot by a last‑ditch challenge. Russo, the captain and focal point of the attack, pressed and stretched the play, scoring twice more. Her second goal, a corner‑converted header, was followed by a penalty that completed her hat‑trick. The final goal, a spot‑kick after Foord was fouled by Catarina Amado, also marked the 200th goal of Slegers’ tenure at the club. With each minute, Arsenal looked more confident and cohesive, suggesting a return to the form that had seen them dominate earlier in the season.
Arsenal now sit second in the group, behind the leaders, and will face a tougher test away to Barcelona in two weeks. The win over Benfica not only improves their standing but also boosts morale and confidence ahead of the upcoming knockout stages. The Gunners will look to build on this momentum as they aim to progress further in Europe.