Barnes Inspires Newcastle to Champions League Over Benfica

Published: 22 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Newcastle United continued their strong start to the Champions League season as Harvey Barnes’s brilliant performance helped them dismantle Benfica at St James’ Park. The Magpies, despite an early period of contention from the Portuguese visitors, ultimately asserted complete control, leaving José Mourinho’s side stunned and without a point in the group stage encounter.

Benfica initially matched Newcastle’s intensity, and it took until the 57th minute for the home side to seize a decisive advantage. Earlier, Dodi Lukébakio had tested Nick Pope with a threatening effort, while Julián Alvarez’s header rattled the crossbar, hinting at the visitors’ potential to score. However, Newcastle’s resilience and tactical patience allowed them to weather the early storm.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring after capitalising on Jacob Murphy’s precise delivery into the penalty area, showcasing the England winger’s pace and finishing ability. Gordon’s goal also marked his achievement of scoring in three consecutive Champions League fixtures, underlining his growing influence on the European stage.

With Benfica’s defensive shape under pressure, Eddie Howe introduced Harvey Barnes as a substitute, a move that shifted the momentum decisively in Newcastle’s favour. Barnes’s energy and composure were immediately evident, first benefiting from a near 70-yard throw from Pope that allowed him to break into space and fire a perfectly timed shot past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Later, he rounded off the scoring after a fine pass from Gordon, demonstrating Newcastle’s lethal attacking options from both flanks.

High-intensity pressing, relentless counter-attacks, and clinical finishing marked Newcastle’s approach throughout the match. Even when Benfica attempted to control possession and exploit Newcastle’s temporary vulnerabilities, Howe’s side responded with sharp tactical adjustments, maintaining dominance in key areas of the pitch. The defensive unit, led by Pope, was crucial in thwarting early threats, including multiple impressive stops from Lukébakio and Alvarez.

Mourinho’s plan to slow Newcastle’s rhythm and disrupt their passing game initially had some effect, yet the visitors ultimately struggled to contain the Magpies’ dynamic wide play. The substitution of Barnes and Joelinton transformed the attacking threat, exposing gaps in Benfica’s defensive line and punishing lapses in concentration.

The result was not just a victory but a statement: Newcastle’s Champions League credentials cannot be underestimated. Barnes’s brace and Gordon’s opener highlighted a team capable of exploiting both pace and precision in their offensive play, while maintaining composure under pressure. The Portuguese side, despite an encouraging start, could not adjust to Newcastle’s relentless tempo and clinical execution.

Eddie Howe expressed satisfaction after the match, praising his team’s patience, discipline, and ability to deliver under pressure. He acknowledged Benfica’s quality while highlighting the effectiveness of strategic substitutions in turning the game decisively in Newcastle’s favour. Mourinho, conversely, recognised his side’s efforts but admitted that the second-half momentum swing was decisive in the match outcome.

With this win, Newcastle continue to build momentum in the group stages, keeping alive their ambitions for progression while sending a clear message to European competitors. Harvey Barnes’s performance, coupled with the team’s collective tactical acumen, underscores the Magpies’ potential as a formidable force in the competition.