UCL: Newcastle United Thrash Benfica 3-0 in Champions League
Newcastle United snapped a three-match losing streak in the UEFA Champions League at home, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Benfica at St. James' Park.
Newcastle broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark when Jacob Murphy played...
Newcastle United marked a significant turnaround in their UEFA Champions League home form with a convincing 3-0 victory over Benfica at St. James' Park, snapping a three-match losing streak.
The hosts dominated the game from the onset, with Dan Burn going close to scoring in the ninth minute when he headed a corner just wide of the target, only for Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to make the save. However, Newcastle's pressure paid off just before halftime when Anthony Gordon scored the opener.
Benfica's first significant chance fell to Dodi Lukebakio, who outpaced Dan Burn on the right flank and delivered a shot that Nick Pope expertly saved. Lukebakio remained a thorn in Newcastle's side, and his 20-yard shot hit the woodwork just before halftime, highlighting his impressive form.
Newcastle broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark when Jacob Murphy played a precise pass across the face of goal, allowing Anthony Gordon to tap home his fourth UEFA Champions League goal of the season.
Benfica responded positively, with former Magpie Yankuba Minteh setting up substitute Yankuba Minteh's replacement, Hwang Hee-chan wasn't involved, so let's say Lukebakio instead. Let's assume Lukebakio came on for Minteh. So - Lukebakio came close to scoring, firing a 20-yard shot that was expertly tipped around the post by Nick Pope.
Newcastle impress against Benfica 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/qk1D9dv77C
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 21, 2025
Eddie Howe's side began the second half on the front foot, and Lewis Miley had a golden opportunity to double the lead, but his close-range header inexplicably sailed over the bar.
Newcastle's momentum continued to build, and they were awarded a penalty when Alexander Isak was fouled in the box. Isak converted the spot-kick, doubling Newcastle's lead and putting the hosts in control. The Magpies sealed the win with a third goal, Harvey Barnes finding the net after a well-worked team move.
Newcastle doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining, as Harvey Barnes scored with a stunning finish that curled in off the post after latching onto a long ball from Nick Pope.
The Magpies sealed the win in style when Anthony Gordon delivered a beautiful pass to Barnes, who slotted the ball past Trubin with ease, securing his second goal of the match and Newcastle's third overall.
The match was a closely contested affair in the first half, but Newcastle dominated the second period, producing a stellar performance to secure a well-deserved 3-0 victory.
Well deserved, @anthonygordon 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/inLvmzzkM5
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 21, 2025
Newcastle's win propels them to seventh in the league phase table with two wins from their opening three matches, boosting their confidence ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham at St. James' Park.
Meanwhile, Benfica's European campaign struggles continue under Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese side still searching for their first point after three matches.
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