,autocrop(1200:630) "Arsenal 3-0 Benfica: Alessia Russo Hat-Trick in Champions League")
Arsenal Defeats Benfica 3-0 in Women’s Champions League Clash
Benfica fell 3-0 away to Arsenal in the UEFA Women’s Champions League phase of the league on October 28, 2026, dropping to 11th place in the standings with three points after three matches. The Portuguese side entered the fixture at Meadow Park riding high from a 4-1 derby win over Sporting, but ran into an efficient English powerhouse led by a performance from Alessia Russo.
Russo secured a hat-trick for the Gunners, netting goals at the 39th, 66th, and 79th minutes, with the final strike coming from the penalty spot. With the hat-trick, the forward became the all-time leading English goalscorer in the Champions League, now reaching 23 goals.
Lena Pauels Stays Busy as Arsenal Controls the Pace
The home side pressed aggressively from the opening whistle, forcing Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels into multiple high-difficulty saves. Pauels denied early attempts from Olivia Smith and turned away a shot from Ona Batlle while facing sustained pressure throughout the night.
Benfica’s best opening arrived midway through the first half with the score at 0-0. Frøya Dorsin intercepted a loose backpass and found herself isolated with the Arsenal goalkeeper out of position, but missed the target by a narrow margin. Shortly after, Russo broke the deadlock in the 39th minute by finding space on the left side of the area and finishing with composure.
Ivan Baptista Assesses the Defeat and Benfica’s European Identity
Benfica manager Ivan Baptista acknowledged that his side faced an opponent that played better on the night and deserved the victory. Speaking to club media after the match, Baptista pointed to missed opportunities during the first half when the score remained level.
We have to be honest with ourselves and accept the result as it is,
Baptista told club media, noting that squad adjustments were necessary due to physical constraints and injuries among traveling players. The Arsenal was better than us and deserved the victory.
Despite the scoreline, the coach praised the supporters who packed the stands in London.
The Benfica is a special club,
Baptista explained regarding the fans. Wherever we go we have this support. The supporters are fantastic, they help us through the difficult times, so I only have good things to say about them and want to thank them for coming to support us.
Frøya Dorsin also praised the fanbase, stating that they are fantastic and do everything for the team. The defeat leaves the Lisbon club with three points, sitting in a position that still allows qualification for the quarter-final play-offs.
Next Fixtures and Domestic Return
The schedule turns back to domestic competition before Benfica resumes European play. The squad travels to face Torreense on November 3, 2026, at Campo Manuel Marques for the sixth round of the Liga BPI.
In the Champions League, Benfica will look to rebound when hosting Austrian side Austria Wien, who currently sit 14th in the standings with one point. Meanwhile, Arsenal climbs to second place in the group with seven points, matching the tally of group leaders Lyon.
Keep reading