Alessia Russo stole the spotlight Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as Arsenal defeated Benfica 3–0 at Meadow Park in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The England forward scored all three goals, opening the scoring before halftime and adding a header from a Steph Catley corner after the break. A late penalty completed her hat trick and sealed an impressive European night.
The performance also brought a personal milestone: Russo reached 23 goals in the competition, passing Fran Kirby to become its highest-scoring English player. She was named Player of the Match.
For fans following the women’s game, it was a standout display of finishing variety—an open-play strike, a set-piece header and a penalty—all in one memorable performance.
Source: UEFA official matchday report