We got our first UEFA Women’s Champions League points of the season on the board thanks to goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo in Thursday’s 2-0 win away to Benfica.
### FIRST HALF
It took until the 19th minute for us to have our first sight of goal, Beth Mead curling a free-kick over the wall and onto the roof of the net.
Benfica broke through for the first time moments later, Diana Silva going for goal from a narrow angle but Daphne van Domselaar having her near post covered.
Kyra Cooney-Cross whipped in a corner with half an hour played that was headed just wide of the far post by Lotte Wubben-Moy, before Mead had an effort blocked from close range after she was picked out by Mariona Caldentey.
The hosts came closest to the opener when Anna Gasper’s ball into the box was headed towards goal by Gomes, but Van Domselaar did well to get down to her left and push it past the post.
### SECOND HALF
Kim Little fired high and wide from the edge of the area early in the second half, but we did find a way through in the 57th minute as Cooney-Cross played the ball out right to Russo, who in turn found Mariona.
Her cross for Mead wasn’t properly dealt with and it appeared as though Gomes turned the ball into her own net in clumsy fashion, but replays indicated that Mead got the final touch.
Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly then came on for Cooney-Cross and Mead with half an hour remaining, before Caitlin Foord replaced Smith with 20 minutes to go.
Leticia Almeida was next to shoot over the bar for Benfica in what was proving to be a match of few chances at Estadio da Luz.
We made two further changes with six minutes left on the clock as Emily Fox and Steph Catley made way for Katie McCabe and Laia Codina.
Our lead became more comfortable in the 89th minute, Kelly playing a smart, low free-kick into the danger area for Russo to convert.
### WHAT’S NEXT
Many of our players will head off to represent their countries on international duty before we reconvene for November’s trip to Leicester City.
Then, we’re back at Emirates Stadium for a huge Barclays Women’s Super League encounter at home to Chelsea on Saturday November 8, [which tickets are still available for.](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/arsenal/EDP/Event/Index/3697)
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