Arsenal claim a vital win in Lisbon
Champions League holders Arsenal navigated a difficult night in Lisbon to claim their first win of the group stage, courtesy of late goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo. The Gunners, aiming to rebound from a stumble in their opening fixture, secured three precious points away at Benfica at the Estádio da Luz.
Mead breaks the deadlock
Arsenal started the match on the front foot but were unable to convert their chances as Benfica keeper Daphne van Domselaar kept the hosts level with a string of important interventions. The breakthrough finally arrived on 57 minutes when Mead found space in the box after a probing move down the left. Though she initially couldn’t convert the ball herself, Benfica centre-back Diana Gomes inadvertently redirected the ball into her own net under pressure from Mead, giving Arsenal the lead.
Ball control and near misses for Benfica
Benfica pushed for a swift reply, and Arsenal’s goalkeeper Renee Slegers was forced into action again as Gomes’ powerful header threatened to draw level. The Dutch stopper produced a superb save to keep the scoreline in Arsenal’s favour as the Portuguese side pressed with intent in search of parity. The home side remained stubborn, shade of hope lingering as the clock wore on and substitutions altered the dynamic of the match.
Russo seals the victory
With Benfica pressing for a leveller late on, Arsenal looked to add a second. They finally did so in the 89th minute when Alessia Russo pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home into the bottom corner. The England striker’s cool finish capped a disciplined away performance, ensuring the holders left Portugal with a clean sheet and three points.
What this means for Arsenal
The result lifts Arsenal to ninth in the Champions League group-phase table, as they edge closer to the top of their pool. It also provides a much-needed platform after a turbulent spell where the team’s form has not matched the heights of last season’s breakthrough campaign. In the WSL, the Gunners sit several points behind Chelsea after six league games, but the recent back-to-back wins in Europe and a domestic victory against Brighton provide essential momentum ahead of the international break.
Context and key takeaways
Arsenal’s performance in Portugal highlighted a familiar pattern: strong control and patient buildup with a struggle to convert chances, tempered by moments of opportunism at critical times. Mead’s and Russo’s goals underscored the importance of clinical finishing from the forward line, an area the squad will look to refine as they balance responsibilities across domestic and European duties.
Looking ahead
As the international window closes, Arsenal will aim to sustain their improved form and translate possession into high-quality chances more consistently. Benfica, who were unable to register a shot on target before the break, will search for sharper attacking ideas to challenge their next opponents in the run-in of the group stage.
