Alessia Russo Hat-Trick: Arsenal Star Passes Kirby's Champions League Record
An Alessia Russo hat-trick took the Arsenal striker past Fran Kirby 's all-time English Women's Champions League goals record as the Gunners beat Benfica 3-0 at Meadow Park on Wednesday. Russo began the evening on 20 goals, one behind Kirby, and finished it on 23.
Her first-half opener drew her level, her second put her ahead and a late penalty completed the hat-trick. UEFA confirmed that she is now the leading English scorer across the history of the Women's Champions League and its predecessor, the UEFA Women's Cup.
How Alessia Russo's hat-trick broke the record Russo opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a low shot across Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels. Arsenal went into half-time a goal ahead, with Russo having matched Kirby's career total.
The record-breaking goal arrived in the 66th minute. Russo met Steph Catley's corner with a glancing header to double Arsenal's lead and move outright ahead on 22.
She added her third from the penalty spot in the 79th minute after Catarina Amado fouled Caitlin Foord. Benfica'sofficial match reportrecords the second-half goals and the foul that led to the penalty.
Minute Goal Russo's career total 39 Low finish across goal 21, level with Kirby 66 Header from Catley's corner 22, outright record 79 Penalty after a foul on Foord 23 Kim Little came on in the 71st minute, replacing Kyra Cooney-Cross. Her return to the squad and Russo's pursuit of Kirby were covered in our Kim Little injury update.
What Renée Slegers said about Russo "She is everything," Slegers told Disney+ after the match, as Sky Sports reported. The Arsenal head coach praised Russo's preparation, her contribution in attack and defence, and the example she sets for her team-mates.
She added: "It's a privilege for me to work with her." Russo started as captain and was named UEFA's player of the match. Slegers also praised Arsenal for following their north London derby victory with another win, highlighting the team's pressing and the chances it helped create.
Russo likewise stressed the importance of building on the Tottenham result.