Anthony Gordon starred while Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice as Newcastle United beat Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0 at St James’ Park.
Mourinho had only won on three of his previous 12 visits to Newcastle and despite his new side starting impressively in the north east, with Dodi Lukebakio curling a shot against the post, the visitors faded after falling behind on 32 minutes.
Benfica lost possession trying to launch a counter, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to feed Jacob Murphy in space down the right – and from the winger’s inviting low centre across the six-yard box, the unmarked Gordon tapped home at the back post for his third goal already in this season’s competition.
The Portuguese side had their chances to level, but found Nick Pope in inspired form and when the giant goalkeeper was not denying the visitors, he was creating goals for his team.
Having claimed a corner, Pope hurled a 65-yard throw over halfway, setting Barnes on his way down the right, with the forward powered on before finding the far corner with a brilliant low shot to all but end the game as a contest with 20 minutes to go.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope (centre) celebrates with team-mates after assisting Harvey Barnes’s first goal against Benfica
And Barnes was at it again just 13 minutes later after Gordon and Nick Woltemade combined nicely, before the sub slid a low shot under the advancing Anatoliy Trubin as Newcastle recorded back-to-back Champions League wins for the first time in 22 years.
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Sky Sports’ Keith Downie gives his verdict of Newcastle United’s 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side in the Champions League at St James’ Park.
Howe: Hopefully that’s the start of what we can be
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on TNT Sports:
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Eddie Howe praises his attackers as Newcastle put three past Benfica after questions of his team’s goalscoring in the Premier League.
“Really pleased because Benfica are a very good team, we had to show our qualities. We were patient initially, we had chances and didn’t score early. We kept at it and once we scored the second goal, we saw the real us and what we can be. We were excellent from that point onwards.”
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon goes down under a challenge vs Benfica
“We have strength but it’s on paper, you have to prove it. Last season we had a great season, won a trophy. We have to go to work and prove the strength of the squad warrants the feeling I have because I do believe it’s full of really good players. We haven’t quite clicked into gear yet, hopefully that’s the start of what we can be.”
“Anthony [Gordon] was outstanding. He looked a real threat all game. He was dynamic, aggressive and positive. Jacob [Murphy’s] always been an assist threat and he was absolutely that. Some of the deliveries he put in were very good. I’m pleased for Harvey [Barnes] to come on and get the two that he did on the right side which shows his versatility. It’ll do those three players a world of good.”
‘There’s no better team than Newcastle on the break’
Steve Sidwell on Soccer Special:
“Newcastle were absolutely sensational, especially in the wide area. They just attack with pace and when they do it, it’s so hard to defend.
“First half, they probably just edged it on the chances. Benfica had some great chances. Dodi Lukebakio hit the outside of the post and then another chance where Pope saved it really well.
“The change in the game came with two substitutions, Barnes and Joelinton, when they came on for Ramsey and Murphy. They changed the game, added a bit of impetus in midfield, a bit of spark to the game.
Newcastle United’s Harvey Barnes (left) celebrates with Anthony Gordon after scoring their third goal against Benfica
“And then the two goals after that from Barnes were just absolutely electric. The second one from Nick Pope, long throw, and Barnes just took it away, lovely finish.
“And the third goal was just absolutely sublime football, great passing from Gordon and Woltemade and then Barnes finished it off.
“Gordon was absolutely sensational tonight. He got presented with the Man of the Match trophy – Fully, fully deserved.
“Pope’s throw [for Gordon’s first goal] was magnificent. It looked a bit unorthodox, I’ve got to say, but it got to Barnes. And you know when he’s got the ball, he’s got one thought in his mind. Head down, can I get into the box?
“And what a lovely, crisp finish across the goal. It was really, really professional, disciplined .They got the job done. They earned the right to play, waiting for the game to stretch open.
“And when it gets open, there’s no better team than Newcastle on the break. “
