Alessia Russo scored a hat trick as Arsenal beat Benfica 3-0 in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, The Guardian and Sky Sports report.

The goals made her the highest-scoring English player in the competition's history. Sky Sports reports her first goal matched Fran Kirby's record of 21. Her second, a header from a Steph Catley corner, broke it. She added a penalty after Caitlin Foord was fouled, for 23 in all.

The win sent Arsenal up to second in the league phase table, the outlets report. Sky Sports reports it was the first time this season the Gunners won back-to-back games.

Benfica had the best early chance. Frøya Dorsin missed a lob over a stranded Misa Rodríguez, The Guardian reports. That woke Arsenal up, and they began to press.

Russo, 27, has 10 goals in her last seven games for club and country, The Guardian reports. She captained the team on Wednesday, Sky Sports reports. England coach Sarina Wiegman watched from the stands.

"She is everything," Arsenal coach Renée Slegers said. "She is such a humble, nice human being, cares for everything and everyone."

Arsenal's season had started slowly, with struggles in front of goal. The Guardian reports they came into the game fifth in the table after a late win over HB Køge and a draw with Paris FC.

Foord had a late fourth goal ruled out after Russo was flagged offside in the buildup, Sky Sports reports. Arsenal's next European game is a trip to Barcelona.

What we know: Arsenal won 3-0, and Russo set a new English scoring record.
What we don't: How Arsenal will fare against Barcelona and OL Lyonnes.