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When Jose Mourinho came at Newcastle's stadium and complimented Eddie Howe and his squad, home supporters were concerned about a difficult match. But those fears vanished thanks to a strike from Anthony Gordon and a brace from replacement Harvey Barnes, making sure Benfica's new manager did not inflict pain for Howe's team.

Match Flow and Early Exchanges

The Benfica boss had predicted that the home side would be very physical, but his own team displayed their own aggressive style. Benfica clearly delighted in disrupting the Magpies' early efforts to build a smooth attacking tempo.

Compounding Newcastle's challenges, key players, Tonali and the Brazilian, started on the bench as they were recovering from sickness and injury each.

Before kick-off, the coaches exchanged a perfunctory, cool embrace, and it soon became clear that Mourinho had told his side to quiet the home fans by delaying Newcastle and reducing the intensity at every chance.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Benfica's strategy produced varied outcomes, but when Anthony Gordon and the Newcastle attack managed to break through Benfica's defensive barricades, they initially struggled to create clear chances.

Additionally, the Belgium attacker Lukebakio nearly showed scoring skill when, after leaving the defender on the ground, he tested Nick Pope with a tremendous shot that required an terrific single-hand stop. It's no surprise Pope still hopes for an national team return in time for the global tournament.

But when Lukebakio directed a further attempt against the post, the home side roused themselves. Murphy shot off target, and Anatoliy Trubin made an excellent near-post stop from Bruno Guimaraes before Anthony Gordon at last opened the scoreless tie.

Gordon's blazing pace had caused consternation for Mourinho all evening, and he calmly side-footed the opener past Trubin after his teammate's early ball into the box paid off.

On the occasion Newcastle's intense, high press was not anticipated by the opposition, Murphy, preferred over the expensive signing, was available to deliver a low ball across the goal for the winger to polish off.

Later Stages and Match-Winning Substitutions

From the beginning, the Portuguese team could not be accused of defending deeply and seeking a point, but now their players pushed forward with real freedom. The winger consistently displayed an ability to destabilize Howe's back four, and the home team were likely grateful to reset at half-time.

The opening period ended with the keeper again rescuing his side by tipping Lukebakio's shot wide of the post, and as the teams came out for the next period, the match seemed evenly balanced.

While Anthony Gordon, clearly buoyed by scoring his fourth strike in three Champions League appearances this campaign, played with the determination of a wide player set to alter the power balance in his team's direction, Lukebakio had different plans.

Mourinho's winger had already shown that, while Dan Burn is a fine central defender, he is not a natural full-back, and Newcastle fans were nervous every time Lukebakio moved forward.

Howe might have felt easier had Lewis Miley, filling in for Tonali, not directed a set-piece above the crossbar from a well-placed spot. Rather, this thrilling contest continued to swing from end to end, persuading the coach to bring on Joelinton and Barnes in place of Ramsey and Jacob Murphy.

Mourinho, meanwhile, threw on an additional striker in Franjo Ivanovic. This would arguably prove a gamble that backfired.

Barnes Seals the Match

Until then, Benfica, and in particular their Portuguese back Antonio Silva, had done a fine job in restricting Woltemade's space and pushing Newcastle's Germany striker back. But now, with defender Dedic off, the defense was underpowered, and the path was open for Barnes to prove that Anthony Gordon is not the manager's only attacking wide player.

Newcastle's two changes was already proving effective by the time Pope sent a superb long throw in Barnes's direction. When Antonio Silva, for once, misjudged the flight, Barnes was clear, accelerating into the area before maintaining commendable composure to fire a superb shot past Trubin.

When Harvey Barnes rolled a low effort through poor the goalkeeper's legs after receiving Gordon's excellent through ball, it was all over. Mourinho had warned that Newcastle have several quick wide attackers, and a trio of strikes from two wingers had destroyed his hopes of earning Benfica's first European result of the season.