During the UEFA Women's Champions League group stageEstádio da Luz, Lisbon, Arsenal Women secured a 2‑0 victory over Benfica. The win was sealed by forward Beth Mead and forward Alessia Russo, both finding the net in the second half. It marked the defending champions’ first points of the campaign and extended their flawless away‑scoring record to ten group‑stage matches.
Match recap and key moments
The first half was a tactical chess‑match. Both sides pressed high, but neither could carve out clear chances. Benfica’s goalkeeper, Rita Costa, made a couple of comfortable saves, while Arsenal’s back line held firm.
Everything changed twelve minutes into the second period. Beth Mead slipped a low drive to the bottom corner after a swift one‑two with Katie McCabe. The stadium erupted; the Portuguese fans, though subdued, gave a respectful applause.
Four minutes later, Alessia Russo doubled the lead. She collected a crossed ball from Lena Oberdorf, turned away her defender and tucked a precise finish into the top right corner. The final whistle confirmed a clean sheet for Arsenal’s defense, coached by Jonas Eidevall, who praised his side’s discipline.
Arsenal's away‑scoring pedigree
Scoring in every away group‑stage match is a rarity. Arsenal have now done it ten times, a feat matched only by AS Roma (ten away games) and SK Brann (three away games). Since the competition adopted its current format in 2021, Arsenal have netted at least once in each of their away fixtures, a testament to their relentless attacking philosophy.
Statistically, the Gunners have won five of their last seven away group games and drawn once, losing only once. Their away goal‑average stands at 2.1 per match, compared with a tournament average of 1.4. This offensive edge often forces opponents to rethink their defensive setups when Arsenal visit.
- 10 consecutive away group‑stage matches with a goal
- 5 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss in the last 7 away games
- Average of 2.1 goals per away match
- Only two other clubs share a perfect away‑scoring record
Reactions from the clubs
After the match, Jonas Eidevall said, "We knew we had to be clinical. Beth and Alessia showed why they are world‑class forwards. Keeping a clean sheet on the road gives us confidence for the rest of the campaign." The coach also highlighted the tactical flexibility that allowed Arsenal to switch from a 4‑3‑3 to a more compact 4‑4‑2 in the second half.
Benfica’s manager, Rita Guedes, lamented missed opportunities: "We created a few chances, but Arsenal’s defence was disciplined. We will learn from this and aim to bounce back in our next group match against Paris Saint‑Germain."
What this means for the title defence
Entering the competition as reigning champions, Arsenal’s early win puts them in a strong position to top Group E, which also features Paris Saint‑Germain and VfL Wolfsburg. The Gunners now sit atop the group with six points, while Benfica remain on zero. A solid away performance also alleviates the pressure on Arsenal’s domestic campaign, where they juggle a congested FA Women’s Super League schedule.
Experts from BBC Sport note that Arsenal’s ability to score away will be crucial in the knockout rounds, where the margin for error shrinks dramatically. "If they keep this consistency, they could be the first English side to retain the trophy since Olympique Lyonnais’ streak in the early 2010s," observed analyst James Corrigan of the Women’s Football Trust.
Historical context of Arsenal Women in Europe
Arsenal Women made history in 2024 by becoming the first English club to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, defeating FC Barcelona 2‑1 in a dramatic final in Dublin. Their triumph sparked a surge in investment across the club’s academy and senior squad, leading to the recruitment of internationals such as Mead and Russo.
Since that landmark victory, Arsenal have consistently reached at least the quarter‑final stage, but retaining the crown has proved elusive for most English sides. The Gunners’ current form suggests they might finally break that barrier, especially with a squad boasting three UEFA Women’s Player of the Year nominees.
Looking ahead: upcoming fixtures
The next group match sees Arsenal travel to Paris for a clash with Paris Saint‑Germain on October 30, 2025. A win there would give Arsenal a perfect record heading into the knockout phase.
Meanwhile, Benfica must regroup quickly. Their upcoming league game against Sporting CP will test their resilience. The Portuguese side’s coach hinted at tactical tweaks, aiming to tighten the midfield that gave Arsenal space in Lisbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Arsenal's away‑scoring record affect their chances in the knockout stage?
A perfect away‑scoring record shows Arsenal can break down defenses in hostile environments. In the knockout rounds, where matches are often played over two legs, this ability reduces the risk of a low‑scoring first leg and gives them a tactical edge.
What were the key tactical changes made by Jonas Eidevall after halftime?
Eidevall switched from a high‑press 4‑3‑3 to a tighter 4‑4‑2, pulling the midfielders deeper to overload the central zones. This forced Benfica to play wider, creating the space that Mead and Russo exploited.
Who scored the goals for Arsenal and how significant were they?
Both goals came from forwards Beth Mead and Alessia Russo. Mead opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, ending a 52‑minute drought, while Russo’s 57th‑minute strike sealed the win, showcasing their knack for capitalising on transitional play.
What does the result mean for Benfica’s standing in Group E?
Benfica remain at the bottom of Group E with zero points, putting pressure on them to win their next two matches. The loss also exposed defensive frailties that their coach plans to address before facing Sporting CP.
When is Arsenal’s next Champions League match and who are they facing?
Arsenal travel to Paris on October 30, 2025, to play Paris Saint‑Germain in their second group‑stage fixture.