Newcastle United 3–0 Benfica: Barnes' Brace Powers Magpies to Crucial Champions League Victory
Author: DeepOct
Date: October 22, 2025
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England
In a commanding performance at St. James' Park, Newcastle United secured a vital 3–0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League group stage on Tuesday night. The victory propels Eddie Howe's side into contention for the knockout rounds, following an earlier defeat to Barcelona and a subsequent triumph over Union Saint-Gilloise.
⚽ Match Highlights
- Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, converting a precise cross from Jacob Murphy. Gordon's goal marked his third consecutive Champions League match with a goal, making him the first Newcastle player to achieve this feat in the competition. Reuters
- Harvey Barnes, introduced as a substitute, doubled the lead in the 70th minute. A long pass from goalkeeper Nick Pope found Barnes, who calmly slotted the ball past Benfica's goalkeeper, Andriy Trubin. Barnes added a second goal later, finishing a well-timed assist from Gordon. Reuters
🧤 Defensive Solidity
Despite early pressure from Benfica, including a shot from Dodi Lukébakio that hit the crossbar, Newcastle's defense remained resolute. Goalkeeper Nick Pope was instrumental, making several key saves to maintain the clean sheet. Reuters
🔄 Substitution Impact
Manager Eddie Howe's decision to bring on Harvey Barnes proved decisive. Barnes' two goals not only secured the win but also highlighted the depth and quality of Newcastle's squad. The team's attacking options were further bolstered by Gordon's consistent performances. Reuters
📊 Group Stage Implications
With this victory, Newcastle United moves closer to qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The win is particularly significant as Benfica, under the management of José Mourinho, have yet to secure a point in the group stage, casting doubt on their progression.
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