Interesting to read these comments from BBC Sport, following Newcastle United’s 3-0 win against Benfica.
The comments from neutral people in particular tell…
It was very different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from BBC Sport’s ‘neutrals’.
BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past have largely been a catalog of abuse directed at NUFC supporters.
Particularly stuff about the owners of Newcastle United and the media-inspired fuss that NUFC fans have become accustomed to when they are blamed for who now owns their club.
On this occasion, politics were completely absent and instead focused on matters on the pitch and Newcastle United won the Champions League… again!
The BBC Sport readers comments from neutral sides, no Benfica fans, but a single Newcastle supporter (and Mackem!) who also contributes:
‘It’s nice to see that a team with seven starting English players and an English manager is doing well in the Champions League.’
‘And no team that starts with seven English players and has an English manager will ever win the Champions League.’
‘Spoken like a true Arsenal supporter.’
“Well, Newcastle won a domestic trophy last season after regularly using six or seven English players. Newcastle is unique in the Premier League in regularly starting so many English players (which until a year ago typically included 2-3 Geordies – Burn is still there). It coincided with an upturn in their fortunes. Hmm. Maybe it will contribute to locker room cohesion and a larger fan association.”
‘And Gordon and Barnes are doing well, both so positive and direct.’
‘I heard that Alexander Isak has threatened to go on strike at Liverpool unless they sign Jacob Murphy in January.’
“They bought the engine and forgot to buy the Nox (J Murphy) that powers the engine!”
‘If Izak and Woltemade were in the same selection, Izak would not get a match.’
“Pope’s long throw should be the assist of the season.”
“He actually threw the ball half the field!”
‘Great result, but why wasn’t that challenge on Bruno a penalty!!!’
‘Could have had three penalties, Gordon also had a good shout and there was a penalty against Bruno earlier.
But you can’t really complain if you won 3-0, can you?’
‘What made it even more annoying is that it was the same referee who gave PSG a penalty against us two seasons ago for absolutely nothing.’
‘Some nice goals in this match.
Well played Newcastle.’
‘Nick Pope UCL assists = 1
Alexander Isak assists = 0′
“Gordon and Barnes will rightly get the credit, but Murphy was absolutely brilliant for 60 minutes.”
‘Nick Pope was terrible. It took two touches to give away a corner kick. As for his throwing, that’s what he trains for. Terrible.’
‘SME?’
“Are you Aaron Ramsdale’s father?”
“If this is the result, he could play terribly every game.”
‘Murphy is due to be called up to England soon, his death is brutal.’
‘Lewis Miley excellent.
Absolute boss in midfield in a Champions League match. What a talent!’
‘It’s a shame the BBC had to highlight the fact that Woltemade ‘didn’t find the back of the net’ as his overall link-up and hold-up play was excellent… but let’s not mention that. It spoils a good cup.’
‘Wow, I just enjoy watching St Nick. His move to create the lane for Murphy to find Gordon for the first goal and the entire game with one touch, including the third goal, was brilliant.
He’s such a smart player. I swear part of the slight disjuncture in Nufc’s forward line this season is that players just can’t keep up with his thoughts.
A special player that I enjoy watching in black and white’
‘Great match to watch. Both goalkeepers played well with many opportunities. A much more exciting first half and Pope made two great saves to keep Newcastle in the game early on. Dominant from Newcastle’s second half.’
‘Yesterday, 16 years ago, Scunthorpe beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Championship.
Tonight Newcastle defeated Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League,
Scunthorpe drew 1-1 with Eastleigh in the National League.
Promotion and relegation make the game fantastic.’
‘Murphy excellent – bet Isak will knock on Slot’s door and ask if Liverpool want to sign him so he can start scoring again.’
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)
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