Benfica Women 0 – 2 Arsenal Women

October 17, 2025:

Holders Arsenal bounced back from defeat to Lyon in their opening game with a 2-0 victory against Benfica in the Women’s Champions League.

For long periods of the game, back in Lisbon where they lifted the Champions League trophy last May, Arsenal struggled to break down a stubborn and well-drilled Benfica.

However, the Gunners – having ended a four-match winless run with victory over Brighton in the Women’s Super League on Sunday – persevered and it eventually paid off after second-half goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo saw the defending champions get off the mark in this season’s competition.

Gunners off the mark in Europe

Renee Slegers’ side, who beat Barcelona in last season’s final at Estadio Jose Alvalade, had made a positive start. Mead sent an early free-kick over from 25 yards before Lotte Wubben-Moy headed wide from a corner.

However, it was Benfica, who lost to Juventus in their opening Champions League match, almost broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time. A corner was swung into a crowded Arsenal penalty area and Diana Gomes sent a powerful header towards the bottom corner, but Daphne van Domselaar got down to her left to make a fine reaction save.

After a low-key first half, Arsenal – beaten by Lyon in their opening fixture of the new-look league phase – eventually went ahead in the 57th minute.

Benfica were caught trying to play out from the back and Russo sent Mariona Caldentey into the right side of the penalty area.

Caldentey pulled the ball back towards Mead in the centre. Benfica defender Beatriz Cameirao went to intercept, but then kicked her attempted clearance against Diana Gomes – and Mead hooked the ball past goalkeeper Lena Pauels into the far corner.

Benfica tried to lift themselves and find an equaliser. Arsenal ‘keeper Van Domselaar had rush out of the area and clear a long ball forward as Diana Silva aimed to race clear.

The Gunners, though, made sure of victory with a minute left when Kelly sent in a low free-kick from deep on the left and Russo darted ahead of the defenders to slot the ball in.

More to follow…

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