Arsenal women thrash Benfica 3-0 as Russo hits hat‑trick
Arsenal Women defeat Benfica 3-0 in a Women's Champions League group match on 28 Oct 2026, securing their first consecutive win of the season. Alessia Russo scored all three goals, raising her competition tally to 23 and becoming the highest‑scoring English player in the tournament’s history. The victory came at Meadow Park and leaves Arsenal 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea in the Women's Super League.
Key facts
- Russo’s second goal was a header from Steph Catley’s corner and her third a penalty after Caitlin Foord was fouled by Catarina Amado.
- Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised Russo as world‑class and noted she captained the side.
- Benfica had previously lost 3-0 at home to Bayern Munich after a 2-1 win over Juventus.
- Arsenal’s prior Champions League match in September ended in a 2-2 draw with Paris FC.
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Why it matters
Russo sets a new scoring record for English players in the Champions League.
What changed
First published from Sky Sports, The Guardian and The Independent