Newcastle made it successive Champions League wins on Tuesday with what was ultimately a routine 3-0 win over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon scored in Europe for the fourth time this season, before Harvey Barnes came off the bench to wrap up maximum points with a brace for Eddie Howe’s side. There was even a remarkable assist for Toon goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Both ‘keepers made saves within the first 15 minutes. First, after a promising Newcastle attack resulted in a corner, a free header from Dan Burn was saved by Anatoliy Trubin and cleared. At the other end, Pope thwarted Dodi Lukebakio’s powerful effort.
Benfica pressure continued to build, including Lukebakio striking the post, but the visitors couldn’t make it count and Newcastle flexed when Trubin pulled off a big save with his foot to deny Bruno Guimaraes from close-range, just before taking the lead. The Magpies built on that moment and Gordon’s breakthrough was a well worked goal that saw Guimaraes play Jacob Murphy into space and feed the ball across the box.
There were 20 minutes left when Barnes doubled the lead, the epitome of route one football from Eddie Howe’s team, as Pope’s launched throw set the winger free in Benfica territory. From there, Barnes drove into the box and kept his composure to finish under pressure. With Benfica running out of ideas, the same player got Newcastle’s late third, with Nick Woltemade’s delightful backheeled flick opening up the pitch for Gordon to slip Barnes in again.
GOAL rates Newcastle’s players from St James’ Park…