Renee Slegers praises Arsenal’s patience in Champions League win over Benfica

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers felt her side’s hard-fought 2-0 win over Benfica proved a “nice Champions League night” as the holders got their European campaign up and running in Lisbon.

The defending champions – beaten by Lyon in their opening fixture of the new-look league phase – went ahead through a scrappy goal from Beth Mead just before the hour.

Arsenal – having ended a four-match winless run with victory over Brighton in the Women’s Super League on Sunday – made sure of three points when Alessia Russo slotted in from a well-worked free-kick by substitute Chloe Kelly.

“A good atmosphere, great stadium, great pitch. It was a nice Champions League night,” Slegers said, quoted on the Arsenal website.

“(In the first half) we didn’t really move the ball quick enough to create big chances with the possession we had.

“But I think we did well out of possession and nullified their threat. We had to stay patient, work on the details.”

Slegers added: “I am so happy with the early goal in the second half, and then the energy of the game changers coming in, bringing new energy, bringing new qualities.

“Then the second goal was really nice for us, of course. Coming from a set-piece, that was really good.

“Sometimes when those passes are given, we want to use them, so really well done by the set-piece coach and players to recognise that.

“I am really happy with us. When we don’t create the big chances and loads of chances, that we find ways to win the game today.”

Slegers feels Arsenal can now head into the international break with a positive mindset to keep their momentum up when club action resumes.

“There’s plenty of learnings and plenty of energy is built to start the next block again,” she said.