NEWCASTLE, England (AP) – Nick Pope’s quick thinking led to an unusual assist from the Newcastle goalkeeper from a shot fired over the halfway line in the Champions League on Tuesday.
In the 70th minute of a 3-0 win over Benfica, the England international held the ball after lofting a cross when he saw Newcastle substitute Harvey Barnes in space near the halfway line.
Pope ran to the edge of the area and overarmed the ball into Benfica’s half and into the path of Barnes. Benfica defender Antonio Silva came out to cover but was unable to cut out the goalkeeper’s ambitious pass.
Barnes ran through and curled a low shot into the corner to give Newcastle a 2-0 lead in the 70th minute. But most of the celebrations were reserved for Pope, with the goalkeeper being mobbed by teammates in the area.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said with a smile, “I don’t know if I can give too much credit to that.” “We’re working on certain things with Nick and his delivery. Throwing is a big strength of his and really, we’ve been working on that. But I wouldn’t necessarily say that’s what we’ve been working on.
“Of course, distribution is very important in modern gaming.”
Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal for Newcastle against Jose Mourinho’s Portugal team. Barnes then scored his second goal to round out the win at St James’ Park.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
