Jose Mourinho and Benfica traveled to St James’ Park in the Champions League, with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes separating the teams as Newcastle United secured a 3-0 victory.
Jose Mourinho’s cold stare after Anthony Gordon found the back of the net showed that his love for Newcastle only goes this far when he’s in the opposition dugout. A self-confessed ‘little magpie’, he could do nothing but watch his team lose in the Champions League at St James’ Park.
It was a familiar fate for Mourinho going into this game. Mourinho only won three of his 12 games with Newcastle. The Portuguese’s visit to Benfica is a rare outing for the player, who has previously managed Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, and will be playing as an underdog.
And it was another memorable night for the Geordies as they secured their sixth home win against Mourinho, a man of the club’s affections due to his close relationship with Toon Army icon Sir Bobby Robson. Mourinho said before the match: “I have never hidden how much Newcastle means to me because of the influence of the legends of this club.”
“St James’ Park is a great place to play football. People don’t come here to watch the game, they come here to play together. It’s not just the stadium, it’s the club, the history, the passion and the fans.”
However, Mourinho went into the game with other priorities, as Benfica needed a point after losing to Qarabag and Chelsea. The veteran is not used to sitting as low as 33rd in the 36-team standings.
read more: Jose Mourinho reveals his feelings about Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle: ‘Everyone knows’read more: Jose Mourinho pays beautiful tribute to Sir Bobby Robson on visit to Newcastle
But the former Chelsea manager saw Newcastle’s 12th man give his best with disciplined defending and subsequent high pressing, allowing Newcastle to win the ball back and send Jacob Murphy wide. The winger’s low cross was perfectly in the path of Gordon on the six-yard line for his fourth goal of the Champions League campaign.
Benfica had chances, but the ever-threatening Dodi Lukebakio hit the post with some clever play from the right. Mourinho’s smile as he headed down the tunnel before the half-time whistle wasn’t enough, but it was perhaps a sign of the harsh words that followed in the dressing room.
As the second half began, the Magpies kept goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin busy, but so did Nick Pope. However, the latter’s offensive play was more impressive than his solid work defending the net.
Newcastle showed flexibility and Pope provided very direct football. The goalkeeper hit a huge throw across the halfway line to play Harvey Barnes.
The winger still had issues with his body as he started to press, but the former Leicester star produced a smart finish from a narrow angle to double Newcastle’s lead.
Nick Woltemade produced a cute touch to find Gordon who next found Burns in the box. Another good goal capped off a night of celebrations for Newcastle, but Mourinho covered his face as the team went 30 minutes without a shot on goal.
Indeed, Newcastle tried to live up to Mourinho’s words before the game. “This is a team that is very close to even bigger things with the financial power that they have now with the owners.
“This is a very special club because of the culture of this area. Culturally it’s very different to London or Manchester. I love playing here. I told the players: ‘It’s beautiful here. You’ll feel the atmosphere tomorrow night.’
The Magpies delivered against a team with unmistakable European pedigree. Benfica reached the round of 16 last season and Eddie, Howe and co are targeting that goal.
Mourinho’s words to his players are unlikely to reflect the mood after the defeat, but Newcastle have taken a positive and important step to move up to six points from their three European group stage games.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
