Russo hat-trick helps Arsenal beat Benfica in Women's Champions League
England forward Alessia Russo scored three times as Arsenal of London beat Benfica of Portugal 3-0 in the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase. She became the highest-scoring English player in the competition's history.
Arsenal's women's football team beat Portugal's Benfica 3-0 on Wednesday evening in a league phase match of the UEFA Women's Champions League, Europe's top club competition. Striker Alessia Russo scored all three goals, becoming the highest-scoring English player in the tournament's history with 23 goals.
Russo first drew level with Fran Kirby's record of 21 with a low, diagonal finish past Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels in the first half. She then headed in from a Steph Catley corner to become the outright record holder. Her third came from the penalty spot after Catarina Amado fouled Caitlin Foord.
Late on, a fourth goal by Foord was ruled out because Russo was flagged offside in the build-up. England manager Sarina Wiegman was at the match. Russo captained Arsenal, and Georgia Stanway also drew praise.
A key win after a poor start
Arsenal have won back-to-back games for the first time this season, easing pressure after a poor start to the campaign. They beat Tottenham in the north London derby before this match. The result moves them to second in the Champions League table. Their next European fixture is away at Barcelona on 12 November; Arsenal beat Barcelona to win the title in 2025.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers praised Russo as a person and a player, highlighting her work ethic. Russo said the derby win would have meant little without a victory here, and acknowledged that the Benfica goalkeeper made several good saves.
