Alessia Russo scores hat-trick as Arsenal beat Benfica

Arsenal beat Benfica by 3 goals in the Women's Champions League league phase. The match's star was Alessia Russo. With this hat-trick, the forward became the all-time leading scorer among English players in the tournament, surpassing Fran Kirby's record of 21 goals.

Russo's first goal came from a low, diagonal shot that beat goalkeeper Lena Pauels. A header from Steph Catley's corner, which she rose to meet, made her the sole holder of the record. After Caitlin Foord was brought down by Catarina Amado, Foord converted the resulting penalty, and the total goal count rose to 23.

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers spoke to Disney+ after the match. Slegers described Russo's care for training sessions, meetings and recovery work, and called her the leader of the team. She also reminded everyone that Russo captained the side in this match.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman also watched the game. Georgia Stanway was among the standout performers. Russo was named captain for the second time in her career. The only shadow over the evening was Russo being flagged offside before Foord's late fourth goal, which led to the goal being disallowed.

Arsenal won two consecutive matches for the first time since their slow start this season. The result eased the pressure on the team, and Russo's form is progressing in step with the team's rise.