Slegers hails Russo after reaching Champions League milestone in win over Benfica

Off the back of sealing Arsenal’s derby victory on the weekend, “fantastic” Alessia Russo reached a record-breaking Champions League landmark against Benfica.

Netting a hat-trick at home to power Arsenal to a 3-0 over their Portuguese opponents, Russo became the top English goalscorer in the Champions League, overtaking previous holder Fran Kirby.

Arsenal’s No 23 has now scored 23 goals across 32 appearances in Europe’s top competition, proving herself more than worthy to be wearing the captain’s armband that she sported on Wednesday night.

Head coach Renée Slegers praised Russo’s dedication and work-rate, as well as her team’s performance overall.

“Really happy with the clean sheet, happy with the three goals going forward,” she said. “Chance creation was really high today, very disciplined defending from the whole team start to finish.

“[We had] new partnerships on the pitch, two players making their debuts, there were a lot of positives today. Alessia’s hat-trick, captaining the team, role-modelling the team throughout the game, always on and off the pitch.

“[Russo is] an amazing role model, she’s a fantastic human being, cares for everything and everyone. It was an amazing night for her and I’m really pleased,” she continued.

“She got the three goals, she’s such a good player. She works her heart out of possession, she’s a team player and she has the quality going forward to decide the game for us. A great night for Alessia and a fantastic record.”

Having played half of their league-phase games in the Champions League, ARsenal sit second in the table on seven points. They face European heavyweights Barcelona and Lyonnes in their next two matches before rounding off the first stage of the competition against Inter Milan.