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Alessia Russo Makes History as Arsenal Defeat Benfica

Reported by Aakash Bora (Staff Writer) Β· The Guardian - Sport Β·

Verified β€” Confirmed by a second source: The Guardian - Sport

Confirmed by a second source: The Guardian - Sport

Important
Alessia Russo Makes History as Arsenal Defeat BenficaPhoto: Wikimedia Commons

Alessia Russo sets a new scoring record as Arsenal secures a strong position against Benfica during their European match at Meadow Park. Russo scores her second goal of the night by heading in an inswinger from Catley past goalkeeper Pauels, which makes her the leading English goalscorer in the competition with 22 goals.

Second Half Action

Arsenal makes several substitutions in the 71st minute, bringing on Kim Little, Leah Williamson, and Emily Fox to replace Taylor Hinds, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Elisa De Almeida. Benfica also brings on substitutes including Sabastine, teenage star Carolina Tristao, and Andreia Norton, who forces a save from Arsenal goalkeeper Rodriguez with a late strike. Reuteler nearly adds a third goal for Arsenal, but her shot is cleared off the line.

Context

This match forms part of the European club competition calendar where top teams face each other in group-stage or knockout fixtures. Player milestones like scoring records often highlight individual brilliance during high-stakes continental matches.

Background: This follows an earlier report, covered earlier on 29 Oct 2026: 'Arsenal v Benfica: Women's Champions League – live'. Read the earlier report β†’
Read more at The Guardian - Sport β†’