Newcastle United vs Benfica: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Pre-Match Report

Karun Abraham

Content Writer

St James’  Park is going to shine like the night sky on the 21st of October as Newcastle United faces off against a giant of Portugal, Benfica, in a crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage encounter. Both teams are looking out for their survival in Group D, and a win here would mean much to the team's forward momentum. With Benfica desperate to get their first points in this campaign, it is going to be an exciting match to look out for. Book your tickets via 1BoxOffice for the best prices you can get.

Recent Form & Stakes

Newcastle United

The home team is in high spirits after having won a 4-0 victory against Union SG, this was a blam to the team after their rough start early on. This win restored their goal difference but also made the other teams realise that they are not a team to be taken lightly.

Eddie Howe and his men have made St James’ Park’s reputation into that of a living fortress. The opponents are in for an intense atmosphere, and the Newcastle Ultras and supporters won't help Benfica in keeping their cool. A win for the home team would give them six points, a clear pathway towards the knockouts. The pressure is on for the Magpies.

Benfica

This is going to be a make-or-break moment for Benfica. The club has had a very rough start to its Champions League run, with a string of losses in both of its opening group stage matches.  The team is suffering from defensive frality and a lack of creativity in their final third. Thus the manager José Mourinho knows that this fixture is their only shot at reviving their qualification ambition.

Despite the struggle, Benfica is a giant club from Portugal, capable of using even a small mistake to start their counterattack. The team will arrive in England motivated to silence their critics and spoil Newcastle’s momentum. They need a win, as a loss here would add yet another layer of challenges.

Team News & Injury Updates

Newcastle United

The Magpies face several injury concerns, particularly in defence. Tino Livramento remains out with a knee injury, while Lewis Hall is still recovering from a hamstring problem. These absences are likely to force Eddie Howe into adjustments, with Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier expected to start as full-backs.

In attack, Anthony Gordon continues to impress with his direct running and energy, while Nick Woltemade adds flair and unpredictability up front. Newcastle’s midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Sean Longstaff provides balance, combining creativity with the pressing intensity that defines their game.

Benfica

Benfica has many concerns of their own, Several players have been sidelined because of many reasons, minor knocks, fatigue from the domestick schedule, international duties. Mourinho is expected to make do with what he has and win, which is not a small ask.

There is a silver lining, because veterans like Di Maria, Silva, along with attackers like Cabral and Ramos will move the team like an engine. The team’s success depends on whether the denfence remains cohesive and intact, while the attack is ready for the slightest of mistakes fro a shot at goal.

Tactical Outlook & Key Battles

This clash pits two contrasting philosophies against each other: Newcastle’s aggressive, high-tempo pressing versus Benfica’s calculated possession play.

Newcastle’s Approach:
Expect Newcastle to start with urgency, pressing high up the pitch and using their wide players to stretch Benfica’s defence. The Magpies’ full-backs will push forward to overload the flanks, while Tonali and Guimarães orchestrate play from midfield. Quick transitions and direct vertical passes are likely to be their primary weapons.

Benfica’s Approach:
Benfica will likely adopt a more cautious 4-2-3-1 setup, sitting deep and waiting for counter-attacking chances. Their wide players will look to exploit the spaces left behind Newcastle’s advancing full-backs. Mourinho’s side will focus on discipline and patience, aiming to frustrate the hosts and strike on the break.

Key Battles:

• Bruno Guimarães vs João Neves – battle for midfield control and tempo.
• Anthony Gordon vs Alexander Bah – speed and pressing versus positional discipline.
• Woltemade vs Otamendi – youthful unpredictability against experience.
• Rafa Silva vs Dan Burn – pace on the flank against physicality and aerial presence.

Prediction & Scoreline

With the home crowd behind them and momentum on their side, Newcastle United enter this contest as clear favorites. Their pressing intensity and attacking rhythm may simply overwhelm a Benfica side that is struggling for cohesion and confidence.

That said, Benfica possess the quality to create moments of danger if Newcastle lose its defensive shape. A fast start from the hosts could make all the difference.

Predicted Score: Newcastle United 2–0 Benfica

Expect a disciplined, energetic performance from Newcastle, an early goal to set the tone, followed by controlled dominance to secure three vital points in Group D.