Arsenal return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, when they welcome Benfica to Meadow Park for Matchday 3 of the league phase.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET (20:00 UK time), with Renée Slegers’ side hoping to build on their North London derby victory and extend their unbeaten European start.
However, Benfica arrive in excellent domestic form and have already demonstrated their ability to surprise stronger opponents in this season’s competition.
Watch the game on Disney+ Arsenal vs Benfica.
Arsenal Looking to Build Momentum
Arsenal secured a much-needed 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, ending a difficult sequence of domestic results. After falling behind, Georgia Stanway equalised before Alessia Russo converted a late penalty to secure three points.
The victory followed a 1-1 draw against Birmingham City and a 4-2 defeat at Manchester City, highlighting Arsenal’s inconsistent start to the Women’s Super League campaign.
Their Champions League performances have been more encouraging. Arsenal have collected four points from their opening two matches, scoring three goals and conceding twice.
However, Slegers wants her players to maintain the intensity shown against Tottenham.
“The foundation for us in the win was the intensity that we brought to the game,” she explained, highlighting Arsenal’s collective defending, resilience and determination.
Russo also believes the derby victory can provide renewed momentum heading into the European fixture.
Benfica Arrive in Strong Domestic Form
Benfica have responded impressively to their European defeat against Bayern Munich. The Portuguese champions defeated Sporting CP 4-1 on Friday, following a 4-0 victory over Marítimo and a 6-0 cup win against Braga.
Those three results demonstrate their attacking potential, although Wednesday represents a considerably different challenge. In the Champions League, Benfica have three points from two matches.
They opened their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory away to Juventus before losing 3-0 at home against Bayern Munich. The Portuguese side have scored twice and conceded four goals across those fixtures, averaging just 37% possession.
Arsenal, by comparison, have averaged 69.5% possession, suggesting the hosts are likely to control significant periods of Wednesday’s encounter.
Arsenal Team News
Slegers confirmed that Kim Little has returned to the squad, providing Arsenal with an experienced midfield option. However, Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang remain unavailable, while Frida Maanum is progressing in her recovery but will not be ready for Wednesday.
Katie Reid’s fitness will also require assessment following her return from a longer-term injury. Taylor Hinds impressed against Tottenham, and Slegers praised her performance alongside Steph Catley on Arsenal’s left side.
The manager acknowledged that consistency is important when selecting her starting XI, although recovery and freshness must also be considered.
Benfica Team News
Benfica have included Thaís Lima, Madalena Loução and Diana Costa in their squad for the trip to London. However, Inês Meninas, Janet and Nycole Raysla are unavailable, while Lara Martins remains sidelined through injury.
Diana Silva is also absent due to pregnancy. The absence of Raysla could influence Benfica’s attacking selection, with Chandra Davidson, Frøya Dorsin and Caroline Møller among the available alternatives.
Arsenal vs Benfica Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Misa; Fox, Williamson, Catley, Hinds; Cooney-Cross, Stanway; Smith, Russo, Foord; Blackstenius.
Benfica (4-3-3): Pauels; Amado, Gomes, Testen, Lund; Pauleta, Csiki, Norton; Alves, Møller, Dorsin.
Tactical Preview: Can Arsenal Break Down Benfica?
Arsenal’s biggest challenge could be converting possession into clear opportunities. Benfica demonstrated their defensive organisation against Bayern Munich, keeping the German champions scoreless until the closing stages.
Slegers expects a similarly physical and disciplined opponent. “They’re a very robust team with a good organisation, good structures, and they fight,” the Arsenal manager said.
Russo’s movement between the number nine and number ten positions could help Arsenal create space, particularly when combining with Stanway. Benfica, meanwhile, will need to remain compact and take advantage of opportunities to counterattack.
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal defeated Benfica 2-0 in Lisbon during the 2025/26 Champions League league phase. Slegers expects another demanding encounter despite that previous success.
Arsenal vs Benfica Prediction
Arsenal’s home advantage, superior possession statistics and renewed confidence following the Tottenham victory make them favourites.
Benfica’s defensive resilience could frustrate the hosts, but Arsenal should possess enough attacking quality to eventually find a breakthrough.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Benfica.
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