Newcastle United secured a 3-0 win as Jose Mourinho and Benfica made the trip to St James' Park in the Champions League where goals from Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes separated the sides
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho was left without a win at Newcastle once again
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Jose Mourinho's icy cold stare after Anthony Gordon found the net showed his love for Newcastle can only go so far when he's in the opposition dugout. The self-confessed 'little Magpie' could only watch on as his side fell to a Champions League defeat at St James' Park.
It was a familiar fate for Mourinho, who, heading into the fixture, had won only three of 12 matches in Newcastle. The Portuguese's visit with Benfica was a rare trip where he would have entered a clash as an underdog, having previously managed Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
And another memorable night for the Geordies saw them rack up a sixth home win against Mourinho, a figure who has entered the club's affection due to his close relationship with Toon Army icon Sir Bobby Robson. “I’ve never hidden how dear Newcastle is to me because of the influence of a legendary person at this club," said Mourinho ahead of the game.
"St James’ Park is a fantastic place to play football. People do not come here to watch the game, they come here to play it with them. It’s not just the stadium, it’s this club, the history, the passion and the fans."
Mourinho entered the game with other priorities, however, as Benfica required points after defeats to Qarabag and Chelsea. The veteran is not used to sitting as low as 33rd in a 36-team table.
But the former Chelsea boss witnessed Newcastle's 12th man on full display as disciplined defending, followed by a high press, saw Newcastle reclaim possession and release Jacob Murphy down the flank. The winger's low cross found its way perfectly into Gordon's path on the six-yard line to pass in for his fourth goal of the Champions League campaign
Benfica had chances too, as constant threat Dodi Lukebakio hit the post after some smart play cutting in from the right. It was not enough for a smile from Mourinho, who departed down the tunnel before the half-time whistle arrived - a sign some stern words followed in the dressing room, perhaps.
Anthony Gordon celebrates
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon celebrates
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When the second half started, the Magpies kept goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin busy, but Nick Pope was equally occupied. The latter was more impressive with his attacking play than his solid work defending the net, however.
Newcastle showed flexibility and Pope offered some very direct football. The goalkeeper lobbed a mammoth throw beyond the halfway line to play in Harvey Barnes.
The winger still had work to do with bodies beginning to pressure him, but the former Leicester star found a smart finish from a narrow angle to double Newcastle's lead.
Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn of Newcastle United celebrate as teammate Harvey Barnes scores
Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn of Newcastle United celebrate as teammate Harvey Barnes scores
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Nick Woltemade produced a cute touch to find Gordon, who was next to find Barnes in the box. Another good finish capped off an evening of celebration for Newcastle and Mourinho covering his face as his side racked up half an hour without an attempt on goal.
Certainly, Newcastle attempted to play up to Mourinho's pre-match words. “With the economic power they have with the owners now, it’s a team that’s very close to even bigger things.
"It’s a very special club because of the culture in this region, it’s very different culturally to London and to Manchester. I love playing here. I said to my players: ‘It’s beautiful here and you will feel that atmosphere tomorrow evening.’”
The Magpies found a result against a side of undeniable European pedigree. Benfica reached the round of 16 last term, something Eddie and Howe and co will be targeting.
Mourinho's words with his players are unlikely to reflect on the atmosphere following defeat but Newcastle made a positive and important step to move to six points from three games in the European group stage.
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