It ended Newcastle 3 Benfica 0.
Before each match, we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives after the match.
An interesting game at St James’ Park…
Enough to talk about.
On this occasion it is David Punton:
POSITIVE
Revivalism
That was a much-needed win and a huge confidence boost after an insipid international break where I think precious momentum was lost.
This was our best outing of the season so far. No doubt. Manna from heaven for Eddie Howe. The hard work pays off.
We defeated one of Europe’s most famous football clubs in the form of Benfica, a small sign of revenge for the 2013 Europa League quarter-final.
Not only did we win, we tonked them.
Mourinho and his merry men simply couldn’t cope with United’s pace, power and pressure.
They seemed to wither.
They were cut open with great ease on the first goal.
Gordon might even have had time to brush his hair before tapping that ball in, such was the size of the space he was in.
The third was also something beautiful. Fluent football. A big six scores that and the media is spinning.
The victory renews our hopes of actually getting through the opening phase of the Champions League, with matches that can be described as winnable.
Gordon and Barnes
I have sometimes been critical of Anthony Gordon, but there is no arguing with his form in the Champions League.
One word: huge.
He was on fire against Benfica. They couldn’t keep up with his pace. A flying winger at the top of his game. He should replicate that form in Premier League games.
Harvey Barnes must also get an important mention.
Gets off the couch and helps herself to a brace. You have to say that when it clicks the finish looks easy, when in reality it isn’t.
The way he scored the first goal was astonishing. He didn’t seem to have the right to score from that point on, but he fired the ball in from the post. The second was calmness personified as he nutmegged their keeper for 3-0.
Honorable mentions to Miley – he did a really good job of defying his younger years.
Bruno – excellent as always.
Thiaw – a Rolls Royce for defense.
Jacob Ramsey – a bulldog.
Threw a curveball
Nick Pope’s assist will live long in the memory.
Amazing. Incredible. I didn’t know he had that in him.
It certainly makes up for its kicks!
I can imagine Portuguese journalists in the press box wondering what they just saw there, as Pope’s precise throw set up the crucial second goal, which Barnes buried with astonishing levels of skill.
It reminded me of Peter Schmeichel, who launched devastating attacks for Man Utd with his long throws to Ryan Giggs.
There can be no doubt about it: Pope is our number one.
NEGATIVES
Atmosphere debate
Even the Special One said it, he expected St James’ Park to be a bit more raucous.
Maybe Mourinho was right?
Fans can of course watch a game however they want, but perhaps the Tuesday night factor didn’t help that much, work/school the next day for example. Fewer beer flows perhaps?
Full backs
We are worn out as a full-back.
Burn and Tripps are obviously fighting hard for the cause, but it’s still a concern.
Afraid to survive
Mourinho thought his team had some very good moments in the first half, and they did.
The woodwork and Nick Pope thwarted some big opportunities for the Lisbon giants and their passionate fanbase, to their own credit.
If any of those chances had fallen, we might have been watching a different game.
Newcastle 3 Benfica 0 – Tuesday October 21, 2025 8:00 PM
(Statistics via BBC Sports)
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 32, Barnes 70.83
Benfica:
Possess was Newcastle 52% Benfica 48%
Total shots were Newcastle 19 Benfica 7
Shots on target were Newcastle 10 Benfica 2
Corners were Newcastle 12 Benfica 8
Touches in the box Newcastle 38 Benfica 12
Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno (Willock 90), Ramsey (Joelinton 63), Miley, Gordon (Elanga 85), Woltemade (Osula 85), Jacob Murphy (Barnes 63)
Unused subs:
Thompson, Ramsdale, Schar, Tonali, Krafth, Alex Murphy
(Newcastle 3 Benfica 0 – Match ratings and commentaries on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)
(Newcastle 3 Benfica 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)
#positive #negative #points #Newcastle #Benfica