Anthony Gordon continued his brilliant European form as Newcastle United claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League, with Harvey Barnes coming off the bench to seal victory and Nick Pope registering a rare assist.
Gordon delivers again as Newcastle cruise past Benfica
Newcastle United secured back-to-back wins in the Champions League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica at St James’ Park. The result showcased Eddie Howe’s tactical discipline, Anthony Gordon’s explosive European form, and Harvey Barnes’ superb impact off the bench as the Magpies took control of their group.
Both sides started brightly, trading early chances. Dan Burn’s header was saved by Anatoliy Trubin before Nick Pope denied Dodi Lukebakio at the other end. Benfica struck the post soon after, but Newcastle’s resilience set the tone for the evening.
Moments before half-time, the breakthrough came through a slick Newcastle move. Bruno Guimaraes found Jacob Murphy in space, whose low cross was converted by Gordon — the England winger’s fourth Champions League goal of the season. The goal lifted the atmosphere at St James’ Park and left Mourinho cutting a frustrated figure on the touchline.
Barnes makes instant impact
The second half began with Benfica attempting to mount a response, but their efforts fizzled out against a disciplined Newcastle back line. Then, with 20 minutes remaining, the game turned decisively in the Magpies’ favour.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope launched a quick throw deep into Benfica territory, releasing Harvey Barnes in behind. The substitute drove forward with composure before slotting under Trubin to make it 2-0. It was the epitome of direct football — and a reminder of the tactical flexibility Howe has instilled in his side.
With Benfica visibly deflated, Newcastle added a third to seal the victory. Nick Woltemade’s clever backheel opened up space, and Gordon turned provider, feeding Barnes to complete his brace. It was a ruthless, efficient display — one that underlined Newcastle’s growing maturity on the European stage.
Gordon leads the charge
Anthony Gordon’s transformation into Newcastle’s European talisman continues to gather pace. The winger, who is yet to score in the Premier League this season, has now netted four times in just three Champions League outings. His timing, movement, and precision in the final third have been instrumental to the Magpies’ success, and his assist for Barnes’ second goal further underlined his growing influence.
The 23-year-old’s confidence seems to soar in continental competition, where his pace and directness regularly unbalance defences. With England manager Thomas Tuchel monitoring his progress, Gordon’s stock continues to rise rapidly ahead of next summer’s international tournaments.
Tactical control and discipline
Eddie Howe’s side were well-drilled from the first whistle. Kieran Trippier marshalled the right flank with authority, while Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw dealt calmly with Benfica’s pressure. Lewis Miley, handed a surprise start due to Sandro Tonali’s illness, looked assured in midfield — a sign of Newcastle’s growing squad depth.
Bruno Guimaraes orchestrated play from deep, linking with Murphy and Gordon to maintain Newcastle’s attacking tempo. Murphy, who was handed his first start in four weeks, justified Howe’s trust with a lively performance and a perfectly weighted assist for the opener.
Howe outsmarts Mourinho
On a night that pitted mentor against disciple, Howe came out on top. The Newcastle boss, who has previously cited Mourinho as an influence, executed his game plan perfectly. His decision to rest Tonali, start Murphy, and later introduce Barnes proved decisive.
After the match, Mourinho admitted frustration with his side’s lack of cutting edge, while Howe praised his players’ professionalism and balance: “We were clinical when it mattered and defended well as a unit. That’s the standard we want in Europe.”
Newcastle’s European ambitions grow
This result cements Newcastle’s position among the group favourites and sends a clear message to Europe’s elite: St James’ Park is fast becoming a fortress once again. With their intensity, togetherness, and tactical maturity, the Magpies are beginning to look like genuine contenders for the knockout rounds.
For Mourinho, it was another humbling European evening — one that underlined the gulf in energy and organisation between his struggling Benfica and Howe’s revitalised Newcastle.
