Newcastle United Dominated Benfica 3-0, Substitute Harvey Barnes Stole the Show

Karun Abraham

Sports Journalist

“Newcastle turned what should have been a tense edge out win or loss European night, into a statement of domination. Gordon and the substitute Barnes really put on a masterclass as they handed Benfica this loss.”

Shameful Loss for Benfica

Newcastle really showed the rest of the European teams that they shouldn’t be underestimated as they swept past Benfica the giant from Portugal in a 3-0 victory, making this back-to-back Champions League wins the first in over 22 years. This started with Gordon, then the substitute for Murphy, Barnes stole the show by scoring two goals in quick succession leaving no room for Benfica.

First half — Edge and intensity, Gordon breaks through

The opening exchanges were balanced: Benfica pressed bravely and carved a few sights of goal, but Nick Pope answered with strong saves. Newcastle’s pressure built down the flanks and paid off when Gordon finished to make it 1–0, continuing his prolific European start. St James’ Park fed on the momentum, yet the margin stayed narrow at the interval thanks to Pope and committed blocks across the back line.

Second half — Barnes off the bench, game over

Howe’s changes tipped control decisively. Introduced after the hour, Harvey Barnes immediately stretched Benfica’s back line, then doubled the lead on ~70’ with a composed finish — a move jump-started by a long pass from Nick Pope that turned defence into attack in one swing. Barnes then added a third from Gordon’s assist to seal a clinical win and complete a superb cameo. Official logs list attendance 52,073 with Szymon Marciniak refereeing.

Tactical analysis

Newcastle: The plan blended compact mid-block control with direct vertical releases once Benfica committed numbers forward. It was Trippier partnering with Gordon that created an almost two vs one scenario for most plays and the bench just injected fresh steam into this energy. Newcastle beat Benfica because they had better set-piece strategy and were faster in restarting that prevented Befical from building any pressure.

Benfica: Mourinho’s side were organised and front-footed early, but their high defensive line became vulnerable once Newcastle accelerated switches and ran behind. The visitors’ best spell came before 1–0; after the second, chasing the game opened lanes that Newcastle exploited ruthlessly.

Individual performances

• Harvey Barnes (Newcastle) — Player of the Match: When a sub is put in, sometimes magic happens, two goals in quick succession, truly the star of the show.
• Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) — The breakthrough goal, he was the opener, then went on to assist for the next few, a constant thorn to Benfica.
• Nick Pope (Newcastle) — The goalkeeper for Newcastle, the first few saves in the first half were the reason Newcastle United won with such a margin.
• Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) — The conductor of this match, he was the reason the tempo was on the side of Newcastle, a constant threat to Benfica.
• João Neves (Benfica) — Drove midfield pressure in phases, but influence waned as spaces opened.

Aftermath & implications

Newcastle’s win underscores a clear European identity: defend the box well, transition with pace, and finish clinically. The home team now has six extra points which, along with a healthy goal difference, makes them well positioned to move to the next phase of the Champions League. Next on the agenda for Newcastle is the EPL fixture against Fulham on October 25th. Book your tickets now via 1BoxOffice for genuine tickets that too at reasonable prices.

Benfica is in a make-it-or-break-it stage; these back-to-back defeats mean they cannot be lax for the remainder of this phase of the Champions League. Benfica returns home to a Liga Portugal fixture against Arouca on October 26th. Book your ticket now via 1BoxOffice to get verified seats at reasonable prices.