Newcastle United will aim to get their Champions League campaign back on track when they host Benfica at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The Magpies were second best for much of Saturday’s clash at the Amex Stadium, losing 2-1 to a Brighton & Hove Albion team full of energy and precision.
Nick Woltemade’s clever backheel goal offered a brief spark, but Newcastle once again left the south coast empty-handed.
It was a result that underlined their inconsistency this season, particularly away from home, and raised questions about their ability to balance domestic and European commitments.
Newcastle’s Champions League form has been more convincing, with a 4-0 dismantling of Union Saint-Gilloise in their previous outing restoring confidence after a narrow opening-day loss to Barcelona.
Victory against Benfica would not only put them in a strong position in the league phase but also give the team much-needed momentum heading into a demanding run of fixtures.
Newcastle will hope Woltemade can maintain his recent scoring streak. The towering German forward has scored in four consecutive games and quickly become a focal point of Newcastle’s attack.
His combination play with Anthony Gordon has been promising, and both players will need to be sharp again to break down Benfica’s experienced back line.
Benfica have endured a difficult start to their European campaign. They have lost both of their opening Champions League matches – a 3-2 defeat at home to Qarabag and a narrow 1-0 loss to Chelsea.
A 2-0 win over Chaves in the Portuguese Cup last weekend halted a brief slump, but the Lisbon side remain short of rhythm and are still searching for their first Champions League points of the season.
Even so, Jose Mourinho’s pedigree ensures that the visitors cannot be underestimated. His sides are rarely easy to break down, and Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal mean patience will be essential.
The Portuguese champions have also won just one of their last nine European away games against English clubs, a record that will encourage the home fans under the St James’ Park lights.
This midweek test offers the perfect chance to rediscover a winning rhythm and prove that their European ambitions are built on more than fleeting flashes of promise.
