Beth Mead and Alessia Russo fired Arsenal Women to a 2-0 Champions League victory over Benfica, securing their first group stage points.
Arsenal Women earned their first UEFA Women’s Champions League points of the season with a 2-0 away win over Benfica on Thursday night.
Beth Mead opened the scoring in the 57th minute after Kyra Cooney-Cross and Alessia Russo combined to set up Mariona Caldentey, whose cross led to a scrappy finish that replays confirmed was Mead’s touch. Russo then sealed the result late on, converting a smart, low free-kick from Chloe Kelly in the 89th minute.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made key saves to deny Diana Silva and Gomes in the first half, while Arsenal managed few clear chances until Mead’s opener. Substitutions from manager Jonas Eidevall, including Kelly and Caitlin Foord, helped maintain control as the visitors saw out the win at Estádio da Luz.
Arsenal next face Leicester City before hosting Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on November 8.