Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick as Arsenal beat Benfica 3-0 in the Women's Champions League at Meadow Park on Wednesday night. The England forward struck in the 39th minute, added a second in the 66th and completed her treble from the penalty spot in the 79th minute, securing Arsenal's second win of the league phase on matchday 3. It was a dominant home performance, with a late Arsenal fourth ruled out for offside, and it gave the Gunners their first back-to-back wins of the season.

A record night for England's No 23

Russo's evening carried a piece of history as well as three points. Her second goal, a glancing header from a Steph Catley corner, took her past Fran Kirby as the leading English scorer in UEFA Women's Champions League history, and her penalty took her final tally for the night to 23 goals in the competition. She wore the captain's armband for the match, with England head coach Sarina Wiegman watching from the stands, and she was named player of the match by UEFA. Benfica had their moments, including a powerful Andreia Norton effort that forced a fine save, but Arsenal stayed in control throughout.

Second place and back-to-back wins

The result lifted Arsenal to second in the league-phase table and strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout phase, while Benfica dropped to 11th. For a side still building rhythm this season, two wins in a row in Europe is a useful marker before the domestic schedule resumes. Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 1 November to face Aston Villa in the Women's Super League, before a blockbuster European trip to defending champions Barcelona on 12 November.

Sources: Arsenal.com match report, UEFA matchday 3 round-up, Sky Sports.