With the Toon Army in full voice, Newcastle came close to an early breakthrough in the ninth minute when Dan Burn’s close-range header from a corner was superbly denied by Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Benfica threatened shortly after, as Dodi Lukebakio sped past Burn on the right before firing a shot that was well saved by Nick Pope. The Belgian continued to cause problems for Newcastle’s defence, rattling the woodwork with a 20-yard strike just before the midway point of the first half.

However, it was the Magpies who broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. Jacob Murphy’s cross across the face of goal found Anthony Gordon, who finished neatly for his fourth UCL goal of the season.

Lukebakio came close again to leveling for the visitors, but Pope tipped his rapid 20-yard shot around the post.

Newcastle started the second half strongly and should have doubled their lead in the 52nd minute, but Lewis Miley’s close-range header somehow sailed over the bar. Ten minutes later, Trubin kept Benfica in the game with a smart save to deny Murphy.

The Magpies eventually put the result beyond doubt. With 20 minutes remaining, substitute Harvey Barnes latched onto a long ball from Pope and finished superbly off the post. Newcastle then completed the rout when Gordon’s brilliant setup allowed Barnes to slot home emphatically from inside the box, sealing a 3-0 victory.

While the first half had been competitive, Newcastle dominated after the interval, producing a clinical display to secure a comfortable win.

Key Takeaways

Newcastle move up to seventh in the Champions League group stage with two wins from three matches.

Benfica remain without a point, continuing their European struggles under Jose Mourinho.

The win should boost Newcastle’s confidence ahead of their Premier League clash at home against Fulham this weekend.