Mourinho’s Frank Admission After Newcastle Dismantle Benfica at St James’ Park

Newcastle United 3–0 Benfica – Champions League Group Stage Anthony Gordon’s opener and a second-half brace from Harvey Barnes earned Newcastle United a commanding victory over Benfica, as Eddie Howe’s side continued their fine European form.

Newcastle produced a dominant performance at St James’ Park to secure successive Champions League wins, building on their emphatic 4–0 triumph over Union Saint-Gilloise. Gordon struck midway through the first half, before substitute Barnes twice found the net to seal an impressive 3–0 scoreline.

The result propels the Magpies to six points from three matches, placing them seventh in the overall group-stage standings. Under UEFA’s new format, the top eight clubs will advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing ninth to 24th enter a seeded play-off round.

Eddie Howe’s men will next welcome Athletic Club to Tyneside on 5 November, before away fixtures against Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen. Newcastle will host PSV Eindhoven early in the new year and conclude their group campaign away to holders Paris Saint-Germain in January.

For Benfica, defeat marks a third consecutive loss in the competition. Manager José Mourinho has now suffered three straight Champions League defeats since taking charge — two against Chelsea and now this latest setback against Newcastle.

Mourinho: ‘A Quiet St James’ Park’

Having lauded the atmosphere at St James’ Park before the match, Mourinho offered a strikingly candid assessment after full-time.

“It was beautiful,” he said. “But to be honest, I thought the first half was quiet. The supporters sensed it wasn’t an easy match, and they knew Benfica looked closer to scoring than Newcastle at that stage.

“The fans showed their passion mainly during set-pieces — and that’s understandable, given Newcastle’s physical strength. Every corner or free-kick felt dangerous, and that was when they really lifted their voices.

“In the first half, we were comfortable. The second goal effectively ended the contest, and from there it was easy for Newcastle to play and for their fans to enjoy themselves.

“But overall, it was a calm atmosphere — nice, fair, with no trouble, no issues with the referee. In that sense, it was a quiet St James’ Park.”

Howe Praises ‘Winners’ Gordon and Barnes

Eddie Howe was full of praise for his attacking players, particularly after criticising his wide men in the defeat to Brighton.

“Really good performance,” he said. “Even in the first half, we created some excellent chances and just needed patience before the breakthrough.

“We scored three quality goals and always looked dangerous, though we also had to defend well at times against their set-pieces. It’s a huge result for us.”

On Gordon and Barnes, Howe added:
“I thought both were excellent. It was great to see Jacob Murphy and Gordon combine for the opener — that’s exactly what we’ve been asking for.

“Anthony was direct, energetic, and outstanding physically. His work rate, both in and out of possession, was superb. It’s a really pleasing night for everyone.”

Newcastle’s European campaign continues to gather momentum, while Mourinho’s Benfica remain winless and in desperate need of a response. For Howe, though, this performance underlined a team growing in confidence and belief — and a St James’ Park that, quiet or not, remains a fortress in Europe.