Newcastle United triumphed 3-0 over Benfica at St James’ Park, with Harvey Barnes playing a pivotal role in securing the victory for Eddie Howe’s side. The match highlighted the impressive pace and aggression of Newcastle’s wingers, which had been lauded by Benfica manager José Mourinho before the game. Despite a strong first-half performance from Benfica, it was the tactical changes by Howe in the second half that turned the game in Newcastle’s favor.
The match was finely balanced during the opening hour, with Benfica’s Belgium winger Dodi Lukébakio creating significant chances, including a powerful shot that forced Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope into a world-class save. Lukébakio also struck the post, further highlighting the visitors’ threat. However, despite Benfica’s early pressure, Newcastle gradually began to assert themselves as the match wore on.
The breakthrough came courtesy of Anthony Gordon, who capitalized on an excellent delivery from Jacob Murphy. Gordon’s composure in front of goal saw him become the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches. His pace had troubled Benfica’s defense all night, and his goal was the reward for persistent pressure.
Mourinho’s tactical plan of slowing the game and disrupting Newcastle’s rhythm had worked to a degree in the first half. However, once Newcastle’s substitutes—particularly Barnes and Joelinton—entered the fray, the momentum shifted. Barnes made an immediate impact, using his pace to exploit a defensive mistake from Benfica’s Antonio Silva. A long throw from Pope set Barnes away, and he showed great composure to beat the goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
With the game effectively won, Barnes added a second, this time capitalizing on another superb pass from Gordon. Benfica, now stretched and outmanned, had no answer to Newcastle’s attacking wave. Mourinho, who had been complimentary of Newcastle’s style before the match, had to watch as his team’s hopes of advancing in the Champions League all but evaporated.
This victory marked an important step forward for Newcastle, who had struggled for consistency earlier in the season. Howe expressed his satisfaction with the team’s patience and quality, while Mourinho acknowledged the superiority of Newcastle’s wingers, whose pace and clinical finishing had proved too much for Benfica on the night.
