Alessia Russo Makes History with Champions League Hat-Trick as Arsenal Beat Benfica 3-0

Alessia Russo etched her name into the record books on Wednesday night, becoming the highest-scoring English player in UEFA Women's Champions League history with a stunning hat-trick against Benfica. The 25-year-old striker's three goals powered Arsenal to a comfortable 3-0 victory in their league phase clash at Meadow Park, keeping the Gunners firmly on course for the knockout stages. Russo's treble takes her career tally in the competition to 13 goals, surpassing the previous English record held by former Chelsea forward Eniola Aluko. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Russo latched onto a precise through ball from midfield and calmly slotted past Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels. She doubled the lead just before the hour mark, rising highest to head home a corner from Katie McCabe. The hat-trick was completed in the 78th minute, as Russo pounced on a defensive error and finished with trademark composure. Benfica, who had entered the match unbeaten in the group, struggled to contain Arsenal's attacking fluency and rarely threatened Manuela Zinsberger in the Gunners' goal. Russo's record-breaking feat underscores her growing status as one of Europe's elite forwards. Since joining Arsenal from Manchester United in 2023, the England international has delivered consistently on the continental stage, combining physical presence with clinical finishing. Her three goals on the night also lift her to the top of this season's Champions League scoring charts, a timely boost ahead of Arsenal's crucial WSL fixtures and the upcoming international break. For Arsenal, the result strengthens their position at the top of Group C with two matches remaining. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 12 consecutive Champions League home games, a testament to the fortress atmosphere at Meadow Park. With Russo in this kind of form, Jonas Eidevall's side will fancy their chances of ending the club's long wait for a European crown. Next up, Arsenal travel to face Benfica in Lisbon, where another victory would all but seal qualification for the quarter-finals.