Key Takeaways:
- Newcastle United secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League
- Anthony Gordon contributed a goal and an assist in an outstanding individual display
- Benfica suffered their third consecutive defeat, leaving their qualification hopes in serious doubt
Match Analysis
Newcastle United asserted their authority in the Champions League group campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win against Benfica. Despite a lively opening from the Portuguese side – which saw Dodi Lukebakio strike the post after a rapid counterattack in the opening minutes – it was the hosts who gained control and set the pace for most of the evening.
The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when Jacob Murphy surged down the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross for Anthony Gordon, who made no mistake with his finish to put Newcastle ahead.
Newcastle impress against Benfica 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/qk1D9dv77C
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 21, 2025
Second-Half Progression and Key Moments
After the interval, Newcastle’s confidence only grew. In the 70th minute, goalkeeper Nick Pope played a long ball over the top that caught Benfica’s defence flat-footed. Substitute Harvey Barnes showed great composure to bring the ball under control before firing home to make it 2-0.
Although Benfica sought to respond, their attacking efforts failed to threaten the resolute Newcastle defence, and the English outfit capitalised on every error. In the 83rd minute, it was Barnes once again – this time finishing from a Gordon assist – who sealed the scoreline at 3-0.
Player Performances and Statistics
Anthony Gordon proved to be the game’s standout performer, registering a goal, an assist, and posing constant problems for the Benfica back line. Nick Pope’s contribution in goal was equally significant, providing crucial saves and supplying the assist for Barnes’ first goal.
| Goalscorer | Minute | Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Gordon | 32 | Jacob Murphy |
| Harvey Barnes | 70 | Nick Pope |
| Harvey Barnes | 83 | Anthony Gordon |
Standings Impact
The result marked Newcastle’s second consecutive victory in the group stage, propelling them to the top of the table with maximum points. In contrast, Benfica’s defeat was their third in a row, placing their chances of progressing further in the tournament in serious jeopardy.
Eddie Howe’s men were rewarded with strong applause from the St James’ Park faithful, while José Mourinho and his Benfica squad will be left searching for swift solutions as their campaign falters.
