Mead and Russo on target to get Arsenal's title defence up and running

Arsenal secured their first win of the new Champions League campaign, Beth Mead sending the ball crawling over the line against Benfica before Alessia Russo killed off the game with their second in Portugal.

- Suzanne Wrack

Beth Mead challenges Diana Gomes and forces home Arsenal's first goal

(ARMANDO FRANCA/AP)

It wasn't pretty in the Estádio da Luz but it was enough, just, with Arsenal's lack of cutting edge remaining a major concern.

The return to the city of their heroic underdog triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, this time in Benfica's home instead of Sporting CP's José Alvalade Stadium, was shrouded in far less optimism this time round.

Then, Arsenal fans had travelled with hopes tempered, given the scale of the task, but spirits high, after a stellar run to their second ever final. This time, the side that arrived in Lisbon was a more beleaguered one following a disappointing start to a season full of promise.