Benfica's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Benfica at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on October 21, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Benfica's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Benfica at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on October 21, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was asked about the atmosphere at St James’ Park following Newcastle United’s 3-0 win.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 32nd minute before Harvey Barnes came off the bench to net a brace in the second half. It was Gordon’s fourth goal in three Champions League matches, while Barnes took his tally to three.
The victory saw the Magpies move up 7th in the Champions League table. The top eight advance automatically to the last 16 while clubs ranked ninth to 24th take part in a seeded play-off round.
Murphy crossed the ball for Gordon’s opener before Nick Pope’s 65-yard throw created Barnes’ goal for 2-0. Gordon then linked up with Nick Woltemade to set up Barnes for a third.
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United’s win over Benfica
Reacting to the win, Howe said: “Good performance. Even first half really, I thought we created some good chances. Had to be patient for that first goal when it came up.
“I thought we scored three great goals, actually. But we looked a constant threat in the game.
“But we had some moments where we had to defend well and they were a threat from their set players as well.So, delighted with the win. It's a massive, massive result.
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“Yeah, I think it is that kind of game that we have to take forward into our next few games that we've got coming up. I thought that's the level that we want to be at.
“We've been threatening, I think, putting a performance like that together. Even at Brighton, there were some really, really positive moments, but that gets lost in the result.
“But today we got both, we got another clean sheet, we scored some goals, confidence returned to our attacking players, so as I said earlier, it's a good night for us. “
Jose Mourinho on ‘quiet’ St James’ Park atmosphere
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho waxed lyrical about the St James’ Park atmosphere in his pre-match press conference but felt his Benfica side quietened the crowd.
“I think it was beautiful, but to be honest I think in the first half it was quiet at St James'. It was quiet,” Mourinho said. “They felt that the game was not easy.
“They brought their enthusiasm in set-pieces, which is normal. When you have a team of giants, you know that every set-piece win, a free-kick, corner, you know that is a dramatic moment for the opponent.
“It was the only moment where they brought that enthusiasm and that pressure to the opponent. We felt very comfortable in the first half.
“In the second half, the second goal killed the game. After that, it was easy for Newcastle to play, easy for the fans to enjoy. But to be honest, the atmosphere was just nice, not difficult.
“Beautiful in the sense of fair play, no problems, good referee, not disciplinary problems. In that sense, I think it was a quiet St James'. “
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