Arsenal FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3
Arsenal FC v SL Benfica - UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3
Alessia Russo made history with a hat-trick against Benfica in Arsenal's 3-0 win, becoming the highest-scoring English player in the Women's Champions League. Wearing the captain's armband with England head coach Sarina Wiegman watching, the former Manchester United player took her tally in Europe's elite competition to 23 goals, overtaking former Chelsea forward Fran Kirby on 21.
Russo, a privilege
Russo had 14 touches in the Benfica penalty area, more than any of her team-mates, despite playing deeper than Olivia Smith in the number 10 role, according to BBC Sport. After the match, Gunners manager Renee Slegers said of Russo: "It's difficult to find the words to describe her. Working with her is a privilege."
Top three a long way off
For the England forward, who finished ninth in the rankings for the most recent Ballon d'Or, won by Alexia Putellas, it is a significant milestone. But she remains some way off Lyon's Ada Hegerberg, who holds the record with 69 goals. Behind Hegerberg, Mittag has 51, while Le Sommer and Harder have 50 apiece.