Arsenal foundation remains intact after Benfica win
Arsenal’s bid to defend their Champions League title began with a narrow but vital victory in Lisbon, as Beth Mead and Alessia Russo struck late to secure a 2-0 win over Benfica. The match at Estadio da Luz offered a stern test for the holders, who needed to translate domestic form into European success after a tentative league start to the season.
Mead’s breakthrough and the game’s turning point
The first half unfolded with limited clear-cut chances for either side. Benfica goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar produced a string of saves to keep the scoreline level, repelling Diana Gomes’ header and thwarting the hosts’ best efforts. Arsenal’s advancing pressure finally yielded a breakthrough on 57 minutes when Beth Mead latched onto a loose ball following a scramble in the box. Mead’s clever movement and persistence unsettled Benfica’s defence, and although the goal owed something to a touch from Portugal centre-back Diana Gomes, the finish was all Mead’s as she slotted home from close range to give the visitors the lead.
Control without a killer edge
After taking the lead, Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to convert momentum into a second goal. Benfica remained dangerous on the counter, and Renee Slegers had to be alert to keep goals from counting against her side. The Dutch goalkeeper’s late performance helped maintain Arsenal’s advantage, with the Portuguese hosts pressing for an equaliser as the clock ticked down.
Russo completes the job late on
Arsenal finally secured their safety in the 89th minute when Alessia Russo finished from close range after a free-kick had dropped into the box. The England forward thumped the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a deserved victory for the holders. The result lifts Arsenal to ninth in the league-phase table, while Benfica join Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and St Polten at the bottom of the group standings after two opening losses.
What this win means for Arsenal
This victory represents a much-needed platform for Arsenal as they navigate a demanding season. Having exited last season’s glamour tie in a dramatic fashion to Barcelona, the Gunners approached the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations and a renewed sense of purpose. Yet, they faced the reality of tougher tasks across Europe and a WSL title race concentrated around a compact group of leading teams. The win in Lisbon extends their winning run ahead of a crucial stretch after the international break, and the coaching staff will hope the team can translate this form into both domestic and continental momentum.
Context and outlook
Arsenal arrive at the Estadio da Luz with ambition and a clear target: to balance European duties with a strong domestic challenge. The result keeps them within reach of the group’s more fancied outfits, while Benfica, despite the loss, can draw positives from a disciplined display and the resilience of their goalkeeper. For Arsenal, the key takeaway is the need to sharpen their attacking efficiency and convert the siege into more clinical finishes in forthcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead
With the international break on the horizon, Arsenal will look to regroup and reset. The signs from Lisbon suggest a squad capable of weathering tough tests and emerging with important results when it matters most. If Mead and Russo can continue to orchestrate the forward unit, Arsenal’s title defense could gain traction in the remainder of the group phase.
