🔗 Share this article

When the Benfica manager arrived at Newcastle's stadium and complimented Newcastle's coach and his squad, home supporters were concerned about a difficult match. But such fears disappeared thanks to a strike from Anthony Gordon and a brace from replacement Harvey Barnes, making sure Benfica's new manager would not cause pain for Howe's team.

Game Dynamics and Early Exchanges

Mourinho had forecast that the home side would be very physical, but his own team displayed their own aggressive approach. The visitors clearly delighted in disrupting Newcastle's initial attempts to build a fluent attacking rhythm.

Adding to the home team's issues, two midfielders, Tonali and the Brazilian, started as substitutes as they were convalescing from illness and injury each.

Before the start, the two managers shared a perfunctory, cool embrace, and it quickly became apparent that Mourinho had instructed his team to quiet the crowd by delaying the game and reducing the intensity at every chance.

Critical Events and Turning Points

The visitors' strategy yielded varied outcomes, but when Gordon and his teammates managed to break through the defensive barricades, they initially struggled to create clear opportunities.

Additionally, the Belgium attacker Dodi Lukebakio nearly demonstrated scoring skill when, after leaving the defender on the ground, he forced Nick Pope with a tremendous strike that got an terrific one-handed save. It's no surprise the goalkeeper still hopes for an England recall in time for the World Cup.

Yet when Lukebakio hit a further shot off the post, Newcastle woke up. Murphy shot off target, and Benfica's keeper made an excellent near-post stop from Bruno Guimaraes before Anthony Gordon finally opened the deadlock.

The England winger's blazing pace had caused problems for the Benfica coach all night, and he calmly slotted the first goal past the goalkeeper after Murphy's early ball into the area proved effective.

On the occasion Newcastle's intense, pressing game was not anticipated by Benfica, Jacob Murphy, preferred over the expensive signing, was available to deliver a low cross across the face of goal for the winger to polish off.

Later Stages and Decisive Changes

From the beginning, the Portuguese team could not be accused of defending deeply and playing for a draw, but now Mourinho's side attacked with real abandon. The winger consistently showed an ability to unsettle Howe's defense, and the Magpies were likely grateful to reset at half-time.

The opening period concluded with Pope again saving his side by diverting Lukebakio's left-foot around the post, and as the sides emerged for the second half, everything seemed evenly poised.

While Gordon, evidently boosted by netting his fourth strike in three Champions League appearances this campaign, played with the determination of a wide player aiming to alter the power balance in Newcastle's favor, Lukebakio had different ideas.

Mourinho's winger had already emphasized that, while Dan Burn is a capable central defender, he is not a born full-back, and Newcastle fans were nervous every time Lukebakio moved forward.

The Newcastle manager might have relaxed had Miley, filling in for Sandro Tonali, not directed a set-piece above the bar from a good spot. Rather, this absorbing game continued to move from end to end, persuading the manager to introduce the midfielder and Barnes in place of Jacob Ramsey and Murphy.

Mourinho, meanwhile, threw on an additional forward in Franjo Ivanovic. This would perhaps prove a gamble too far.

Barnes Wins the Game

Before that, the away team, and especially their Portuguese back Antonio Silva, had done a fine job in limiting Woltemade's space and pushing the Germany striker back. But now, with defender Dedic off, the defense was weakened, and the way was open for Harvey Barnes to prove that Gordon is not Howe's only attacking winger.

The home side's double substitution was already proving effective by the time Pope dispatched a superb throw in Barnes's path. When Silva, on this occasion, misjudged the flight, the winger was clear, sprinting into the penalty box before keeping impressive poise to fire a sublime strike past Trubin.

After Barnes rolled a shot through poor Trubin's legs after receiving Anthony Gordon's excellent pass, it was all over. Mourinho had cautioned that Newcastle have several quick wide attackers, and three goals from a pair of wide men had shattered his hopes of earning Benfica's first European points of the campaign.