Newcastle United delivered one of their most complete European games in over two decades, defeating Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3–0 at St James’ Park to record back-to-back Champions League wins for the first time since 2003.
Benfica began on the right foot, with Dodi Lukebakio striking the post, but once Anthony Gordon opened the scoring on 32 minutes, the match became a no-contest affair.
Bruno Guimaraes won possession and found Jacob Murphy past the half hour of play, and JM’s low cross was swept in at the far post by Gordon for his third goal of the competition.
From there, Eddie Howe’s side controlled proceedings with poise and precision. Nick Pope, who had made key first-half saves, turned provider midway through the second half. And not precisely because of his shot stopping chops.
The goalkeeper launched a 65-yard throw over halfway to release substitute Harvey Barnes, who raced clear and fired low beyond Anatoliy Trubin to make it 2–0 in the 70th minute. It was Pope’s first assist in more than 400 career appearances and great example of Newcastle’s unstoppable counterattacking.
Barnes struck again 13 minutes later after a fine play between Gordon and Nick Woltemade, sliding a ball under Trubin to seal the win. The double capped a statement cameo for the winger and a statement night for Newcastle, who registered their seventh clean sheet in 12 matches across all competitions with their wingmen firing on all cylinders.
Howe praised his side’s patience and balance, calling it “the real us, what we can be.” He singled out Gordon as “outstanding,” Murphy for his “assist threat,” and Barnes for the “versatility” shown in his two goals off the right flank.
The win lifts Newcastle to seventh in the Champions League league phase and gives them momentum ahead of back-to-back home fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham in the Premier League and Carabao Cup, respectively.
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