Alessia Russo hat-trick sinks Benfica and sets English Women's Champions League record

Russo scored a hat-trick to break the English Women's Champions League scoring record, moving to 23 goals and surpassing Fran Kirby.

Alessia Russo scored a hat-trick as Arsenal Women beat Benfica 3-0 in the Women's Champions League league phase at Meadow Park on Wednesday night, breaking the English scoring record in the competition. Russo opened the scoring in the 39th minute from a Caitlin Foord assist, drawing level with Fran Kirby's previous record of 21 goals. She took the record outright with a header from a Steph Catley corner in the 66th minute, then completed her hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 79th minute after Foord was fouled. UEFA named her Player of the Match, and Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers praised her effusively after the game. Russo, who wore the captain's armband, said the result was important to back up Saturday's North London derby victory over Tottenham. The win lifts Arsenal to second in the league phase table on seven points, with their next fixture a trip to Barcelona on 12 November.