No-frills Arsenal off mark in Europe as break gives Slegers chance to reset

Lotte Wubben-Moy justifies recall for Champions League win at Benfica but head coach is aware issues remain

Alessia Russo is congratulated by her Arsenal teammates after sealing Champions League victory at Benfica. Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal got their first points on the board in the league phase of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after second-half goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo were enough to secure a win away at a feisty Benfica side. Returning to Lisbon – the City in which they clinched European glory for a second time back in May with victory over Barcelona – this was low-key affair in comparison that required a no-frills, professional approach. With a two-and-a-half-week break until their next block of games, the Gunners will at least go into that period having banked back-to-back wins, even if performances still leave a lot to be desired.