When Anthony Gordon tucked away his fourth Champions League strike of the season, the roar from Newcastle United at St. James' Park turned into a full‑blown chant. The win over Sport Lisboa e Benfica on October 21, 2025, wasn’t just three clean sheets – it was a statement that Eddie Howe’s lads are serious contenders in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Match Overview
The fixture, officially listed as UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 – Newcastle v BenficaSt. James' Park, was originally slated for Sunday but was shifted to Tuesday because of a scheduling clash. A crowd of 52,073 packed the stands, eager to see how the Magpies would rebound after a 4‑0 demolition of Union Saint‑Gilloise two weeks earlier.
From the first whistle, the home side pressed high. Gordon’s lightning‑quick run in the 16th minute forced a defensive scramble, and a perfectly timed low cross found the back of the net. It set the tone – Newcastle were on the hunt.
Tactical Breakdown
Howe’s 4‑3‑3 stayed compact, with young Lewis Miley slotting into the midfield gap left by an absent Sandro Tonali. The Magpies jammed the central corridor, limiting space for Benfica’s creative duo, Roméo Lavia and Ángel Di María. In the 63rd minute, Jacob Murphy made way for super‑sub Harvey Barnes, who immediately turned the tide.
Bench‑player impact was evident. Barnes’ first touch led to a half‑volley in the 71st minute that slipped past the outstretched hands of Benfica keeper Diogo Costa. Eight minutes later, a swift counter‑attack saw Barnes latch onto a through‑ball from Bruno Guimarães and finish calmly, sealing a 3‑0 victory.
Key Performers
- Anthony Gordon – 1 goal, relentless pressing.
- Harvey Barnes – 2 goals, decisive substitute impact.
- Eddie Howe – Tactical discipline that stifled a historically strong Portuguese side.
- José Mourinho – Yet another defeat in his recent run against Howe (third straight loss).
- Lewis Miley – Stepped up in Tonali’s absence, proving his worth at 19.
Defensively, Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff combined for a clean sheet, while goalkeeper Nick Pope made two fine saves, including a fingertip parry from Lavia’s curling effort.
What This Means for Newcastle’s European Campaign
Three points push Newcastle to six from three matches, lifting them to 11th in the league‑phase table. More importantly, it adds a vital goal‑difference edge over rivals such as Marseille and PSG, whose fixtures loom in the coming weeks.
Analysts note that accumulating six points early is statistically significant; historically, teams that reach the six‑point mark by Matchday 3 have a 78 % chance of reaching the knockout round.
Moreover, the victory keeps the Magpies’ unbeaten home record against Portuguese clubs intact – a quirky stat often highlighted by broadcasters.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Next up is a hostile trip to Olympique de Marseille on November 5, followed by a clash with defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain on November 12. Both fixtures will test Howe’s squad depth, especially if injuries to midfield linchpins arise.
Should Newcastle maintain this defensive solidity and the attacking spark shown by Barnes and Gordon, they could finish the group stage in the top two, earning a more favorable draw in the Round of 16.
Key Facts
- Date: October 21, 2025 (originally scheduled for October 19)
- Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Attendance: 52,073 spectators
- Scoreline: Newcastle United 3, Benfica 0
- Goal scorers: Anthony Gordon (16'), Harvey Barnes (71', 83')
- Managers: Eddie Howe (Newcastle) vs José Mourinho (Benfica)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Newcastle’s chances of advancing?
With six points from three games, Newcastle sit in a strong position. The three‑point cushion gives them breathing room ahead of the tough Marseille and PSG matches, and statistically teams with six points by Matchday 3 advance 78 % of the time.
Who were the standout players for Newcastle?
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, while Harvey Barnes, coming off the bench, added a brace. Goalkeeper Nick Pope kept a clean sheet, and young midfielder Lewis Miley impressed in Tonali’s absence.
What tactical changes did Eddie Howe make at halftime?
Howe substituted Jacob Murphy for Harvey Barnes, shifting from wing play to a more direct counter‑attacking approach. The change unleashed Barnes’ pace and finishing, leading to the two late goals.
How did José Mourinho react to the defeat?
Mourinho, in post‑match comments, praised Newcastle’s intensity but insisted Benfica would bounce back against upcoming opponents, emphasizing the need to tighten defensive transitions.
What are the key challenges Newcastle faces in the next two games?
Travel fatigue in Marseille, the firepower of PSG’s attacking trio, and potential injuries in midfield are the main hurdles. Maintaining defensive discipline while leveraging the pace of Barnes and the creativity of Guimarães will be crucial.