Nick Pope played a key role as Newcastle United beat Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Newcastle United bounced back from defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion to see off Jose Mourinho’s Benfica at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the first half before Harvey Barnes bagged a second-half brace.
Newcastle’s wingers needed to step up with goals around Nick Woltemade, and they certainly stepped up against Benfica.
Nick Pope raises his fist in celebration after setting up a goal for Newcastle.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon praise Newcastle United’s Nick Pope
Gordon continued his fine European form with another goal, while Barnes came off the bench to score twice.
This was a great night for Newcastle, but we can’t forget the impact of goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Pope made a fine save to deny Benfica winger Dodi Lukebakio in the first half before turning provider in the second half.
Pope’s enormous throw set Barnes away, and the Newcastle winger fired home to secure a 2-0 lead.
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The Newcastle stopper has now been praised by both Barnes and Gordon, who spoke to TNT Sports after the final whistle.
Barnes hailed Pope for a ‘great assist’ before Gordon offered praise of his own.
Gordon admitted that everybody in the Newcastle dressing room loves Pope, and hailed him for making ‘incredible’ saves in the first half.
“We all love him, he’s one of the most popular people in the dressing room,” said Gordon.
“We absolutely love him. He’s a top guy, a top keeper. He’s kept us in so many games this season so far, and even some of the saves he made in the first half were incredible, so he deserves it,” he added.
Nick Pope fending off Aaron Ramsdale at Newcastle United
Pope saw Odysseas Vlachodimos join Sevilla over the summer, while Martin Dubravka is now shining for Burnley.
New competition arrived as Aaron Ramsdale joined Newcastle from Southampton, meaning Pope had to step up.
Pope has managed to do just that and has kept his place ahead of summer signing Ramsdale so far this season.
Now 33, Pope isn’t ready to give up his spot as Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper just yet – and Ramsdale may need to get used to sitting and watching Pope from the bench this season.