Benfica arrived at St. James' Park for their third UEFA Champions League group stage clash still searching for their first points. They left empty-handed once again — this time outclassed and outplayed by an intense and clinical Newcastle United side.

From the opening whistle, the Magpies were in control. Their pressure nearly paid off early when Dan Burn rose highest from a corner, forcing a sharp reflex save from Anatoliy Trubin — the first of many he’d make in a busy night between the sticks.

Benfica’s Only Spark Quickly Extinguished

Between the 15th and 21st minutes, Benfica produced their only real attacking burst. Dodi Lukebakio broke through one-on-one but was denied by Nick Pope. Then Vangelis Pavlidis fired narrowly wide following a battle between Heorhiy Sudakov and the Newcastle back line. Moments later, Lukebakio again came close — curling a shot toward the far post, only to be denied by the upright.

But that was the end of Benfica’s threat. From that point forward, it was one-way traffic.

Newcastle Take Control

Jacob Murphy came close from distance before Trubin pulled off a fantastic foot save to deny Bruno Guimarães from close range. But in the 32nd minute, the Ukrainian keeper could do nothing as a slick triangle move ended with Anthony Gordon tapping into an open net after fine work from Guimarães and Murphy.

Trubin produced another strong save after halftime to deny Murphy again, but the pressure mounted. In the 70th minute, Pope turned provider — launching a brilliant throw deep into Benfica’s half. António Silva misjudged the bounce, and Harvey Barnes pounced, finishing coldly into the far corner.

On 83 minutes, Gordon fed Barnes again, and the former Leicester man sealed his brace with a nutmeg finish through Trubin’s legs. The damage was done — and it could have been worse.

In the final minutes, Trubin was again called into action, denying Joelinton and Dan Burn to keep the scoreline from becoming truly embarrassing.

Another Blow for Benfica

The 3-0 result marks Benfica’s third straight defeat in the Champions League group stage, leaving their European campaign in tatters. Despite moments of promise from Sudakov and some valiant efforts from Trubin, Mourinho’s side were simply outclassed.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Newcastle United - Benfica 3:0 (1:0)
Goals: Gordon A., 32 (1:0); Barnes H., 70 (2:0); Barnes H., 83 (3:0)

Newcastle United: Pope; Burn; Trippier; Botman; Miley; Thiaw; Bruno Guimarães (Willock, 90); Ramsey J. (Joelinton, 63); Gordon A. (Elanga, 85); Murphy J-b (Barnes H., 63); Woltemade (Osula, 85)
Substitution: Barnes H. (from 63); Joelinton (from 63); Elanga (from 85); Osula (from 85); Willock (from 90)
Bench: Ramsdale; Schär; Krafth E.; Murphy Alex; Tonali
Yellow Cards: Thiaw 17

Benfica: Trubin; Dedic A. (Ivanović Fr., 63); Silva A.; Araújo T.; Otamendi; Ríos; Barrenechea; Aursnes; Sudakov; Pavlidis E.; Lukebakio
Substitution: Ivanović Fr. (from 63)
Bench: Soares S.; Wynder; Obrador; Dahl; Prioste; Barreiro L.; Schjelderup; Veloso J.; Rego Joao; Araujo P.
Yellow Cards: Lukebakio 45