Newcastle secured back-to-back wins in the Champions League with an impressive victory over Jose Mourinho’s Benfica at St James’ Park. Building on their win over Union Saint-Giroise in Belgium earlier this month, the Magpies took three more points in Europe thanks to a first-half goal from Anthony Gordon and a brace from substitute Harvey Barnes.
The hosts produced a brilliant second half to defeat Benfica, and the result means Thun now have six points in the competition after losing to Barcelona in the opening game, out of a potential nine points. Express Sport rates Newcastle’s players on their big win and plans…
Newcastle vs Benfica player ratings
Nick Pope – 8
He thwarted Dodi Lukebakio twice with smart saves and then hit Burns with an absolutely sublime throw for his second goal. He was naturally praised by his teammates.
Kieran Trippier – 6
Not his vintage best, but still had some good moments and good tackles.
Malik Thiau – 7
He has performed very well again since signing in the summer and coped well after being booked in the first half.
Sven Botman – 7
He limited Benfica to just two shots on target, helping them maintain consecutive clean sheets in Europe. Despite receiving a knock, he continued to play.
Dan Byrne – 6
Lukebakio kept him busy and luckily Pope bailed him out with one chance, but things got tougher after that. He was a real threat in the air and almost clinched the belt in the end.
Bruno Guimarães – 9
Great performance from the captain. He was constantly involved in the final third, releasing Murphy with a great pass and setting up Gordon’s goal. I ran the game. The performance simply missed his own goals.
Lewis Miley – 7
He started against Brighton with an assist off the bench and showed great touch. In the second half, he had a chance to score, but his header went over the bar.
Jacob Ramsey – 6
Although he showed signs of quality, he never really got into the game and was sent off before the hour mark.
Jacob Murphy – 8
He blitzed in place of Anthony Elanga and his wonderful cross to Ramsey almost resulted in a goal, but was cleared at the right time. He then provided the assist for the opening goal with a cross to Gordon at the back post. His own goal was denied by a low save from Trubin.
Nick Waltemaid – 7
There were lots of examples of incredible close control and he worked really hard off the ball as well. He didn’t have many chances to score himself, but in the build-up to the third goal he made a great flick to Gordon.
Anthony Gordon – 9
He scored his third successive Champions League goal with a well-placed side-footed finish to put Newcastle 1-0 up. He then made a great play to create Barnes’ second. He was a consistent threat throughout and worked hard off the ball. Naturally, there was a standing ovation when he left.
substitute
Harvey Barnes (Murphy 63) – 8
A great finish made it 2-0 and the third goal was clinical.
Joelinton (Ramsey 63) – 6
He headed one chance just wide and another curler from distance went over the bar.
Anthony Elanga (Gordon 85) – N/A
A few minutes on the legs.
Will Osula (Woltemade 85) – N/A
Cameo appearance by the late center forward.
Joe Willock (Guimaraes 90) – N/A
He could have scored with his first touch.
