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Arsenal Women clinch 3-0 win over Benfica, Alessia Russo becomes England’s top scorer in the Women’s Champions League

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

Core Event

Arsenal Women defeated Benfica 3-0 at Mangata Developments Stadium on Wednesday night. Forward Alessia Russo scored all three goals – a low-diagonal effort before half-time, a glancing header from a Steph Catley corner, and a penalty after Caitlin Foord was fouled by Catarina Amado. Goalkeeper Lena Pauels kept Benfica in the game with several saves, but Arsenal’s attacking pressure proved decisive.

Report: Arsenal Women 3-0 Benfica

02

Background & Context

Arsenal entered the league-phase match needing a win after a “poor start” that saw them finish fifth in the table following a last-ditch victory over HB Køge and a draw with Paris FC. Manager Renée Slegers made three changes to the lineup, reinstating Ona Batlle at right-back and giving full debuts to summer signings Élisa De Almeida and Géraldine Reuteler.

The Guardian

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Arsenal Women's line-up (4-2-3-1): María Rivero, Ona Pascual, Élisa De Almeida (off 71'), Stephanie-Elise Catley, Taylor Hinds (off 71'), Kyra Cooney-Cross (off 71'), Georgia Stanway, Géraldine Reuteler (off 81'), Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, Olivia Smith (off 86'). Substitutes: Emily Fox (on 71' for Taylor Hinds), Leah Williamson (on 71' for Élisa De Almeida), Kim Little (on 71' for Kyra Cooney-Cross), Lisa Baum (on 81' for Géraldine Reuteler), Emma Blackstenius (on 86' for Olivia Smith), Carl
Arsenal Women's line-up (4-2-3-1): María Rivero, Ona Pascual, Élisa De Almeida (off 71'), Stephanie-Elise Catley, Taylor Hinds (off 71'), Kyra Cooney-Cross (off 71'), Georgia Stanway, Géraldine Reuteler (off 81'), Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, Olivia Smith (off 86'). Substitutes: Emily Fox (on 71' for Taylor Hinds), Leah Williamson (on 71' for Élisa De Almeida), Kim Little (on 71' for Kyra Cooney-Cross), Lisa Baum (on 81' for Géraldine Reuteler), Emma Blackstenius (on 86' for Olivia Smith), CarlPhoto: arseblog
Match stats for Arsenal Women v SL Benfica W: Possession 63% - 37%, Total shots 30 - 5, Shots on target 14 - 2, Shots off target 7 - 3, Shots inside box 18 - 2, Big chances 4 - 1, Corners 12 - 3, Offsides 3 - 2, Fouls 6 - 13, Yellow cards 0 - 1, Saves 2 - 11, Passes 510 - 295, Pass accuracy 87% - 75%, Tackles 18 - 29, Interceptions 13 - 13.
Match stats for Arsenal Women v SL Benfica W: Possession 63% - 37%, Total shots 30 - 5, Shots on target 14 - 2, Shots off target 7 - 3, Shots inside box 18 - 2, Big chances 4 - 1, Corners 12 - 3, Offsides 3 - 2, Fouls 6 - 13, Yellow cards 0 - 1, Saves 2 - 11, Passes 510 - 295, Pass accuracy 87% - 75%, Tackles 18 - 29, Interceptions 13 - 13.Photo: arseblog
Image: Georgia Stanway also impressed as Arsenal beat Benfica
Image: Georgia Stanway also impressed as Arsenal beat BenficaPhoto: skysports
Highlights: Arsenal Women 3-0 Benfica
Highlights: Arsenal Women 3-0 BenficaPhoto: arsenal
Alessia Russo (No 23) celebrates with her teammates after making it 2-0 against Benfica
Alessia Russo (No 23) celebrates with her teammates after making it 2-0 against BenficaPhoto: theguardian
The Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, has eased pressure on herself with back-to-back wins over Spurs and Benfica
The Arsenal head coach, Renée Slegers, has eased pressure on herself with back-to-back wins over Spurs and BenficaPhoto: theguardian
Aaron Loupalo-Bi fires Fleetwood into a first-half lead
Aaron Loupalo-Bi fires Fleetwood into a first-half leadPhoto: theguardian
Image: Alessia Russo was captain for Arsenal on Wednesday evening
Image: Alessia Russo was captain for Arsenal on Wednesday eveningPhoto: skysports

03

Data & Statistics

  • Russo’s hat-trick took her to 23 goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, overtaking Fran Kirby’s previous English record of 21.
Arsenal Women 3-0 Benfica Women: Alessia Russo scores Women's Champions League hat-trick as Gunners win back-to-back games
  • The three goals raised Russo’s tally to 10 goals in her past seven appearances for club and country.
The Guardian
  • Arsenal’s victory moved them to second place in the Champions League league-phase table.
The Guardian
  • Benfica’s goalkeeper Lena Pauels made a total of four notable saves during the match.
Report: Arsenal Women 3-0 Benfica

04

Official Statements & Responses

She added that the team performed well tonight and that the win takes something off their shoulders. In a post-match interview with Disney+, Slegers highlighted Russo’s “humble, nice human being” nature and her “100 percent” effort in training, meetings and recovery.

Renee Slegers reacts to 3-0 victory over Benfica

05

Verbatim Quotes

  • “It looks like there is something off our shoulders,” — Renée Slegers
The Guardian

06

Why It Matters / Impact

Russo’s record-breaking haul establishes her as the most prolific English scorer in the competition’s history, reinforcing her status as a key attacking outlet for Arsenal. The win also provides a morale boost after early-season difficulties, giving the Gunners momentum heading into tougher fixtures against Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais. Slegers’ comments suggest the performance could signal a turning point, with the team “backed the last performance up” and aiming to replicate the intensity in upcoming matches.

The Guardian