Arsenal secure a vital Champions League victory in Lisbon
Arsenal Women moved a step closer to advancing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 2-0 win away to Benfica in Lisbon. The defending holders, who endured a tougher start to the season than anticipated, finally found their rhythm in the second half as Beth Mead and Alessia Russo struck to seal the points.
First-half pressure and a stubborn Benfica defense
From the kickoff, Benfica frustrated the visitors with a compact, organized display at Estadio da Luz. Renee Slegers’ side kept Arsenal at bay, and the Netherlands goalkeeper produced a string of sharp saves to keep the scoreline level at the break. Arsenal controlled the ball but struggled to unlock a determined Benfica block, with the hosts proving dangerous on the counter when opportunities arose.
Benfica’s best moment came from a powerful Diana Gomes header that met Daphne van Domselaar’s gloves, denying the home side a surprise breakthrough before the interval. The Gunners, who had expected to hit the ground running after last week’s stumble in Lyon, found themselves frustrated by a resilient Benfica outfit that sensed a potential upset at home.
Second half: a decisive breakthrough and a late seal
The game gradually opened after the restart as Arsenal increased their tempo, dominating possession but still unable to convert clear chances. A moment of misfortune for Benfica yielded the opening goal. Mead pressed forward on a pageant of confusion in the box following Mariona Caldentey’s square ball. Benfica centre-back Diana Gomes inadvertently nudged the ball into her own net, allowing Mead to pounce and open the scoring in the 57th minute.
With Benfica pressing in pursuit of an equalizer, Arsenal introduced last season’s final hero Stina Blackstenius and England winger Chloe Kelly in a bid to add fresh impetus and secure the cushion that would keep the tie comfortable. The hosts continued to threaten, but a precise late finish from Alessia Russo ensured the points were safely in the Gunners’ hands as a free-kick scenario dropped into the box and the England striker tucked away a composed finish in the 89th minute.
What this result means for Arsenal and Benfica
Arsenal’s victory lifts them in the group standings and gives them momentum ahead of the international break. They sit in ninth place in the league-phase table while Benfica remain winless after two games, alongside heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, Roma, and St Polten. The win offers a chance for the holders to regroup and refocus after a period of inconsistency that has shadowed their title defense, despite being European champions just last season.
Overall, the match offered glimpses of Arsenal’s class in attack and a reminder that, even when not at their best, the players can find ways to win against disciplined oppositions. With more time on the training pitch, the Gunners will hope to sustain improved performance levels across both domestic and continental fixtures.
Looking ahead
Arsenal now head into the international break with renewed optimism, aiming to build on this victory and rediscover the fluid attacking football that propelled them to last season’s success. The challenge for Slegers’ side will be to maintain the momentum in their next European test while balancing a demanding WSL schedule as they push to challenge Chelsea for the title and keep pace with Europe’s elite.
