Newcastle United continue their fine European run with one solid 3-0 win against Benfica for St. James’ Park on Tuesday night. The Magpies show full control from start to finish, and this result don boost their chance to enter top 16 for the Champions League League Phase.
For first half, Newcastle waste plenty clear chances before Anthony Gordon finally open the scoring around 32nd minute. Benfica wey Jose Mourinho dey coach no too show any real threat — dem just dey defend and hope for counter, but even that one no click.
As match reach last 20 minutes, Nick Pope throw one long ball wey turn to quick assist for Harvey Barnes, the winger collect am, run enter box, and finish am clean. Later, Barnes score again to make am two goals for himself, rounding off fine team play between Nick Woltemade and Gordon.
With that 3-0, Newcastle now sit for 7th position with six points, while Benfica still dey bottom side with zero point from three games. Na bad start for Mourinho and him boys, but na perfect night for Eddie Howe and the Geordie crowd.
TPB’s Verdict
This kind win na major statement for Newcastle. Last season, 11 points don qualify teams reach round of 16 playoffs, so this victory fit go far. Even though the group still get tough sides like PSG and Leverkusen, the Magpies don prove say dem no dey fear anybody.
Anthony Gordon’s opener don restore confidence for Newcastle attack. The combination between Guimaraes, Gordon and Barnes look sharp again, and Eddie Howe go dey happy to see goals come from different players, not only Woltemade wey dem don rely on lately.
Benfica on the other hand, no fit complain. Only two shots for inside box and general lack of fight show say dem no even deserve draw. Three losses from three matches don almost finish their Champions League dream already.
Newcastle United vs Benfica Highlights
32nd Minute – Anthony Gordon Goal (Newcastle 1-0 Benfica):
Bruno Guimaraes spot Jacob Murphy for right side and release one clean through ball. Murphy square am inside box for Gordon wey just tap am enter net coolly. Simple finish, big play from Bruno. 1-0 Newcastle!
52nd Minute – Lewis Miley Miss (Newcastle 1-0 Benfica):
Corner swing come inside, ball reach Lewis Miley but the young lad miss sitter from close range. Fans shout “how e take miss that!” Still, Newcastle remain on top.
71st Minute – Harvey Barnes Goal (Newcastle 2-0 Benfica):
Nick Pope turn distributor as him throw one rocket pass from him own box. Benfica defenders sleep off, Barnes chase am, enter six-yard area and slot am across goal. Na unbelievable throw and cold-blooded finish. 2-0!
83rd Minute – Harvey Barnes Goal (Newcastle 3-0 Benfica):
Woltemade drift left, flick am nicely to Gordon. Gordon drive central and find Barnes wey burst through, slot am through keeper leg. Easy, clean, and confident. Barnes double up and game over!
Man of the Match – Harvey Barnes
Plenty players play well, but Harvey Barnes no contest for this one. The man enter 63rd minute and still bag two goals before final whistle. Two shots, two goals, plus two key chances created — na impact performance. Energy, sharp runs and end product — all 10/10.
Newcastle United vs Benfica Match Stats
Possession: Newcastle 52% – 48% Benfica
Shots: Newcastle 20 – 7 Benfica
Shots on Target: Newcastle 10 – 2 Benfica
Corners: Newcastle 12 – 8 Benfica
Fouls: Newcastle 14 – 7 Benfica
Best Stats
– Harvey Barnes become first Newcastle sub wey go score two goals for one Champions League match since 2003.
– Nick Pope na the first keeper this season wey assist goal with throw for Europe.
– Newcastle don keep three clean sheets from four home games for all competitions.
– Benfica don lose last six Champions League away games, dem last win come for 2022.
What Next?
Newcastle no go travel far as dem next Premier League match go be home against Fulham this Saturday. Four days later, dem still get Tottenham Hotspur for EFL Cup — two home games back-to-back for Eddie Howe boys to maintain momentum.
Benfica on the other hand go return to Portugal league to face Arouca this weekend. After that, dem go meet Tondela for domestic cup on October 29 as dem try find small confidence again after poor European run.
Final Yarn
Na solid performance from Newcastle — organized, ruthless and confident. Barnes shine bright, Gordon deliver again, and Bruno Guimaraes control everything. If dem fit keep this level against PSG and Leverkusen, the Magpies fit shock Europe again. Benfica? E go long for dem this season.
Stay glued to The Pidgin Blog (TPB) for more Champions League yarns, Pidgin highlights and sharp post-match reactions.
