Newcastle rout Benfica in Champions League statement

Newcastle United got their Champions League campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Benfica at St James’ Park tonight.

Benfica started aggressively and made life difficult for Eddie Howe’s men, particularly through Dodi Lukebakio, whose direct running repeatedly troubled Dan Burn.

The Belgian winger twice came close to scoring, forcing a superb save from Nick Pope before striking the post with a curling effort.

Newcastle struggled to find rhythm early on, missing the presence of Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, both of whom were named on the bench.

Jose Mourinho’s side slowed the tempo and frustrated the hosts, drawing the sting out of the crowd with tactical fouls and stoppages.

Newcastle gradually found their footing, and their patience was rewarded before half-time.

Jacob Murphy whipped in a low ball across the box, which Anthony Gordon calmly sidefooted past Anatoliy Trubin for his fourth goal in three Champions League appearances.

Benfica responded after the break, pushing men forward as Mourinho urged his team to play with more ambition.

Lukebakio remained their main threat, testing Burn repeatedly on the counter, while Pope continued to justify his England ambitions with another strong performance between the posts.

Howe made decisive changes midway through the second half, introducing Joelinton and Harvey Barnes to inject pace and control. The move quickly paid off.

Pope launched a long throw that caught Benfica’s defence unprepared. Antonio Silva misjudged the bounce, and Barnes accelerated clear before finishing to make it 2-0.

The third arrived late on as Newcastle punished Benfica’s tiring back line. Gordon slid a clever pass through to Barnes, who coolly slotted the ball through Trubin’s legs to seal the victory.

It was a night that showcased Newcastle’s adaptability and attacking depth, with their wingers delivering when the forwards struggled for space.

Gordon’s relentless drive and Barnes’ sharp finishing ensured Howe’s side claimed back-to-back European wins for the first time since 2003.

For Mourinho, the return to St James’ Park brought familiar disappointment. His Benfica side fought hard and created chances but lacked the ruthlessness that defined Newcastle’s performance.

The defeat leaves the Portuguese club’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread.

Newcastle will aim to carry their European momentum into the Premier League when they host Fulham on Saturday.