Russo hat-trick lifts Arsenal past Benfica and into second in Women’s Champions League phase

Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick as Arsenal defeated Benfica 3-0 at Meadow Park and moved into second place in the Women’s Champions League league-phase table, The Guardian reported. The performance also made Russo the highest-scoring English player in the competition’s history. The 27-year-old’s three goals took her tally to 10 in her past seven appearances for club and country.

Her manager, Renée Slegers, called Russo a leader and role model who cares for those around her and consistently sets the right example. Russo said Arsenal had found a positive dynamic over their previous two matches. Arsenal controlled much of the first half but initially struggled to break through Benfica’s organised defence.

The visitors had the clearest opening during the first 30 minutes, when Frøya Dorsin missed an opportunity to lob goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. Arsenal then increased the pressure, with Olivia Smith shooting narrowly wide before forcing a save from Lena Pauels. Russo opened the scoring shortly before half-time after a move down the left.

Arsenal became more assured after the interval, circulating the ball more quickly and placing Benfica under sustained pressure. Caitlin Foord was denied by a last-ditch challenge before Russo doubled the lead with a headed finish from a corner. The striker completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot after Foord was brought down by Catarina Amado.

The result was particularly valuable given Arsenal’s uneven opening to the season and their difficult European start. Before the match, they had won narrowly against HB Køge and surrendered a two-goal advantage against Paris FC, leaving them fifth in the league phase. Chelsea also maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 victory over Roma at Plough Lane.

Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring in the 51st minute after combining with Wieke Kaptein, while Kadeisha Buchanan headed the second in the 89th. Roma missed opportunities through Maya Doms and Alayah Pilgrim and remained without a Champions League goal after three matches. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said her team needed to be clinical and ruthless, although she was pleased with the way it found a route to victory.

Her side’s result represented a second win in three European matches. Bayern Munich recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Real Madrid. The result preserved Bayern’s unbeaten home record in the pre-knockout phase; The Guardian said they had now avoided defeat in all 17 of their home group-stage or league-phase matches.

The report identified Momoko Tanikawa as the second-half equaliser after Real Madrid had gone ahead through Athenea del Castillo.