The UEFA Women’s Champions League – League Phase heats up on October 16, 2025, with Benfica vs Arsenal Women at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon (kick-off 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 a.m. AEDT on October 17).
Both teams kicked off their campaigns with victories—Benfica’s 3-0 win over Twente and Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing of St. Pölten—setting the stage for a Group C showdown.
On the same day, Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United Women are playing UEFA Women’s Champions League another league.
Arsenal Women won the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League, defeating defending champions Barcelona 1-0 in the final thanks to a late goal from Stina Blackstenius.
They also staged impressive comebacks in earlier rounds — particularly against Real Madrid and Lyon — showing strong attacking depth and tactical resilience under manager Renée Slegers.
Benfica Women had a less successful run, being eliminated by Lyon in the quarter-finals of the 2023/24 Women’s Champions League after a two-leg tie in which Lyon showed superior dominance.
This marks their first-ever meeting, with Arsenal entering as favorites thanks to their unbeaten run in five games (four wins, one draw) and potent attack averaging 2.8 goals per match. Benfica, unbeaten in their last seven across all competitions, will rely on home intensity but faces a step up against the English giants.
Benfica vs Arsenal Women Team News, Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Benfica vs Arsenal Women Team News
Benfica Women Team News:
No major injuries reported heading into the match, allowing coach João Marques to field a near-full-strength squad. Key forward Jéssica Silva returns from a minor knock, bolstering their attack that netted three in their opener.
Midfielder Beatriz Cameirão is set to start following an impressive domestic performance, as the team emphasizes defensive strength, having conceded only once in their last five matches.
- Benfica Women form (all competitions): L D W W L W
Arsenal Women Team News:
Captain Leah Williamson remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained during England’s Euro 2025 final, a blow to their backline.
No new concerns arise from their recent 3-1 WSL win over Brighton, where Beth Mead and Alessia Russo shone. Coach Renée Slegers confirmed the squad’s fitness, with Emily Fox and Katie McCabe anchoring the defense.
- Arsenal Women form (all competitions): W D D L L W
Benfica vs Arsenal Women Predicted Lineups
Benfica Women (4-3-3):
Amado; Costa, Gomes, Lund, Prat; Cameirão, Alves, Sousa; Silva, Martin-Prieto, Nogueira.
Arsenal Women (4-3-3):
Van Domselaar; Fox, Reid, Catley, McCabe; Pelova, Little, Toone; Caldentey, Russo, Mead.
Key Players for 2025-26
| Player | Team | Recent 2025-26 Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Mariona Caldentey | Arsenal | Strong first season with Arsenal; good goals+assists and creative impact in 2024-25. |
| Alessia Russo | Arsenal | Signed a new long-term deal in 2025; leading scorer in the WSL and Champions League. |
| Katie McCabe | Arsenal | Consistent presence, creative outputs, many assists. |
| Daphne van Domselaar | Arsenal | Named in Champions League Team of the Season; strong defensive form. |
| Cristina Prieto | Benfica | Best player & top scorer in Liga BPI 2024/25; likely to carry form into 2025/26. |
| Diana Gomes | Benfica | New signing for 2025/26; Portuguese international defender. |
| Andreia Norton & Christy Ucheibe | Benfica | Included in the Best 11 for Liga BPI 2024/25, showing strong performance. |
Benfica vs Arsenal Women Match Prediction
Arsenal’s superior depth and away form (three wins in their last three European road games) should see them control possession against Benfica’s high press, but expect goals given both sides’ attacking flair.
- Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Arsenal Women. Arsenal to win at -200 odds, with over 2.5 goals at +100; Alessia Russo anytime scorer at +150.
Where to Watch Benfica Women vs Arsenal Women
USA
- FuboTV — the match is also listed there with a live stream option.
- CBS Sports Network & Paramount+ — ESPN reports the match will be shown on these platforms.
UK
- Disney+ UK — Radio Times confirms that Disney+ is broadcasting the game in the UK.
- Arsenal’s official site also notes Disney+ is the platform for many territories, including the UK.
Canada
- The match is available via Apple TV in Canada (as part of the platform’s sporting events listing).