It was a memorable night at St James’ Park; as Anthony Gordon shone like a thousand stars while Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice as Newcastle United defeated Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League.
Mourinho had only won on three of his past 12 trips to Newcastle and despite his new team’s beginning brightly in the north east of England, with Dodi Lukebakio curling a shot against the post, the visitors faded after falling behind on 32 minutes.
Benfica lost possession trying to launch a counter, allowing Bruno Guimaraes to feed Jacob Murphy in space down the right – and from the winger’s inviting low centre across the six-yard box, Gordon, left unmarked, tapped home at the back post for his third goal already in this season’s Champions League competition.
The Portuguese team had their chances to equalise but found goalkeeper Nick Pope in inspired form and when the giant goalie was not denying the visiting side, he was creating goals for his club.
Having claimed a corner, Pope hurled a 65-yard throw over halfway, setting Barnes on his way down the right, with the forward powered on before finding the far corner with a brilliant low shot to all but end the game as a contest with 20 minutes to go.
And Barnes was at it again just 13 minutes later after Gordon and Nick Woltemade combined nicely, before the sub slid a low shot under the advancing Anatoliy Trubin as Newcastle recorded back-to-back Champions League wins for the first time in 22 years.
Manager Eddie Howe praised his Newcastle for putting Benfica where they truly belonged.
“Really pleased because Benfica are a very good team, we had to show our qualities. We were patient initially, we had chances and didn’t score early. We kept at it and once we scored the second goal, we saw the real us and what we can be. We were excellent from that point onwards.”
“We have strength but it’s on paper, you have to prove it. Last season we had a great season, won a trophy. We have to go to work and prove the strength of the squad warrants the feeling I have because I do believe it’s full of really good players. We haven’t quite clicked into gear yet, hopefully that’s the start of what we can be.”
On the performance of Gordon, Howe said, “Anthony [Gordon] was outstanding. He looked a real threat all game. He was dynamic, aggressive and positive. Jacob [Murphy’s] always been an assist threat and he was absolutely that. Some of the deliveries he put in were very good. I’m pleased for Harvey [Barnes] to come on and get the two that he did on the right side which shows his versatility. It’ll do those three players a world of good.”
