Arsenal reignited their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign with a decisive 2–0 win over Benfica on Thursday night, thanks to goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo at the Estádio da Luz.
The result marks Arsenal’s first points of the tournament and a strong response to their opening defeat to Lyon, putting them back in the fight for qualification.
After a frustrating first half dominated by possession but short on precision, Arsenal broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. A deflected effort off Diana Gomes slipped past the Benfica keeper, later confirmed as Beth Mead’s goal — her first in Europe since returning from injury.
As Benfica pressed for an equaliser, Arsenal struck again in the closing moments. In the 89th minute, Chloe Kelly curled in a clever free-kick that found Alessia Russo, who coolly finished from close range to secure all three points.
Manager Jonas Eidevall praised his side’s composure under pressure, calling the performance “a step in the right direction” after recent setbacks.
Captain Kim Little and midfielder Lia Wälti controlled play in the centre, while goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite the victory, Eidevall admitted there’s still room for improvement: “We managed the game well, but we need to turn dominance into goals earlier,” he said post-match.
The victory lifts Arsenal to third in their group, closing in on leaders Lyon ahead of a vital home fixture against Rosengård.
For Mead and Russo, the result sends a message — Arsenal are still serious contenders in Europe.
“We wanted to show who we are,” Mead told reporters. “Tonight was just the beginning.”
