Alessia Russo scores hat-trick as Arsenal defeat Benfica in Women's Champions League

UPDATE - follow-up to Arsenal v Benfica: Women's Champions League – live: Alessia Russo scored a brilliant hat-trick to lead Arsenal to a commanding victory over Benfica at Meadow Park, while also making history as the leading English goalscorer in the Women's Champions League.

Match Action

Russo opened the scoring in the first half by latching onto a clever pass from Foord and firing a low shot into the far corner from 15 yards. She then broke the competition record for English players by heading in her second goal of the night from a Catley cross, before sealing her hat-trick by curling a penalty high into the net past goalkeeper Pauels in the 82nd minute. Benfica struggled to contain the pressure, despite saves from Pauels and efforts from substitutes like Norton.

Context

This strong performance puts Arsenal in a solid position to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Women's Champions League. The team managed to secure a much safer lead than their previous European outing against Paris FC, where they let a two-goal advantage slip.