Harvey Barnes bagged a brace and Anthony Gordon scored for the third consecutive Champions League match in a row on Tuesday as Newcastle United earned a potentially pivotal three points against Benfica.
Both sides threatened in an open first half at St James’ Park, with Dodi Lukebako hitting the bar for the visitors, but it was Newcastle who went ahead around the half-hour mark when Jacob Murphy squared an inch-perfect cross for Gordon to tap in the opener.
Benfica came out fighting in the second period and possessed plenty of threat early on, though Eddie Howe responded with inspired substitutions as he brought on eventual match winner Barnes.
The English winger latched onto a superb long throw from Nick Pope before firing in a lovely low finish to make it 2-0, before he was given a golden chance to wrap up the game late on – after lovely play from Gordon and Nick Woltemade – and obliged with another lovely finish to secure the three points.
Follow all the action from St James’ Park below:
Newcastle vs Benfica live
- Newcastle United beat Benfica in the Champions League
- 83' GOAL! Barnes seals brace from Gordon assist [NEW 3-0 BEN]
- 71' GOAL! Superb Barnes finish doubles lead [NEW 2-0 BEN]
- 32' GOAL! Gordon opens scoring from Murphy cross [NEW 1-0 BEN]
- 22' OFF THE BAR! Lukebakio hits woodwork with curling effort [NEW 0-0 BEN]
‘Problem’ Anthony Gordon has become the answer Newcastle (and England) are looking for
Tuesday 21 October 2025 23:07 , Chris WilsonThe cast of leading goalscorers in the Champions League is stacked with the usual names even at this early stage. But behind Kylian Mbappe (five), Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have all been joined on four goals by an unlikely marksman, England and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
As Thomas Tuchel nails down his England starters for the World Cup there is positivity from the left wing of St James’ Park.
Gordon is bolstering his solid, goalscoring England form withproductivity and headline grabbing among Europe’s elite. Club boss Eddie Howe will now rightly demand Gordon transfers his big game shows into routine league games.
‘Problem’ Anthony Gordon is the answer Newcastle (and England) are looking for
Erling Haaland hits another Champions League milestone and PSG in seventh heaven
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:55 , Chris WilsonErling Haaland moved into the top 10 Champions League goalscorers with yet another strike as Manchester City won 2-0 at
Captain Bernardo Silva was also on target at the Estadio De La Ceramica as he followed up the Norwegian's early effort with a powerful header before half-time.
City were not at their fluent best and their Spanish hosts gave them some uncomfortable moments, particularly in the second half, but a second victory in the league phase did not seem in doubt.
Erling Haaland hits another Champions League milestone and PSG in seventh heaven
Tomorrow's matches
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:50 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of games for tomorrow in the Champions League, with Liverpool and Chelsea in action:
(all kick-offs 8pm unless stated)
Athletic Bilbao vs Qarabag (5.45pm BST)
Galatasaray vs Bodo/Glimt
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Ajax
AS Monaco vs Tottenham
Real Madrid vs Juventus
Sporting CP vs Marseille
Bayern Munich vs Club Brugge
Atalanta vs Slavia Praha
Mourinho reacts
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:45 , Chris Wilson“Good performance in the first half, totally underserved result in that half. Not easy to come here and perform the way we did in the first half, hitting the post, being the team that was closer to winning.
“Then in the second half with the second goal, it was a complete turnaround, and the result is more than fair.
“I think it’s just the difference in quality between the two teams. They are more intense, they are faster, they have a bench with phenomenal players to change the dynamic.
“15 points to play for, we lost to Chelsea and Newcastle away, but we have these points to play for with three matches at home. I would say that 10 or 11 points is what we need to qualify, so game on,” he adds.
Champions League results
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of results from tonight’s games then:
Barcelona 6-1 Olympiacos
Kairat 0-0 Pafos
PSV 6-2 Napoli
Leverkusen 2-7 PSG
Union SG 0-4 Inter Milan
Copenhagen 2-4 Dortmund
Villarreal 0-2 Manchester City
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid
Howe reacts
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:33 , Chris WilsonEddie Howe was delighted as he spoke to TNT Sports.
“Benfica are a really good team, so we had to show our qualities today,” he said.
“We kept at it and I think once we scored the second goal you saw the real us and what we can do. I think we were excellent from that point onwards.
“We have strength, but it’s sort of on paper. You’ve got to prove it. We’ve got to prove that the strength of the squad warrants the feeling I have. We haven't quite clicked into gear yet, but hopefully that’s the start of what we can be,” he explained.
“Anthony [Gordon] was outstanding tonight, he looked a real threat all game, he was dynamic, very aggressive. Really pleased for Harvey [Barnes] to come on and get the two that he did, off the right-hand side, so it shows his versatility,” he added.
Match stats
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:25 , Chris WilsonAll of Newcastle's goals and assists came from an English player - Harvey Barnes (two goals), Anthony Gordon (one goal, one assist), Jacob Murphy (one assist), Nick Pope (one assist).
Pope’s throw for his assist travelled 65 yards!
Next up
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:20 , Chris WilsonNewcastle’s next match comes against Fulham this weekend, with that home fixture kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, 25 October.
The next Champions League game comes next month, when they face Athletic Bilbao on 5 November.
UCL table
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:15 , Chris WilsonThat result means Newcastle move into seventh in the league phase table for now, with six points from three games.
Benfica are now in 34th, with no points so far.
Barnes & Gordon react
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:10 , Chris Wilson"Last season we weren't in Europe and that hurt the players - this is what we want to be in, there is nothing better,” says goalscorer Harvey Barnes.
"A few times when we have gone ahead in games we have not quite gone for that second or third goal and it has cost us. This is when we are at our best - playing attacking football with the crowd behind us. The third goal killed the game off which was important,” he added.
Anthony gordon also spoke to TNT, saying that “it means everything [to be the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League games], but we need more, my ambition doesn't stop there”.
"Because we had so many chances, we had to put one away to calm the nerves. I was glad to see it go in. Playing with [Jacob] Murphy, I knew he was going to play that ball every time. That goal is all about him.
"We all love [Nick] Pope. He is one of the most popular people in the dressing room he is a top guy and a top keeper. He has kept us in so many game already this season and some of the saves he made were incredible,” added the England winger.
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 22:01 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:51 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the game to an end and it’s a night to remember for the home faithful, and a potentially vital three points for Newcastle United in the Champions League!
Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:50 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Two minutes of added time here as Newcastle hunt a fourth! It almost comes too, as Dan Burn forces a good low save with an effort from outside the area.
Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:49 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Another sub here as Bruno Guimaraes comes off for Botman.
Elanga wins a corner and Willock is involved straight away. Botman forces a save with a header, before Willock arrives at the far post and narrowly misses tapping in!
Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:46 , Chris Wilson89 mins
A deserved win for the hosts, though they had to work hard for it at times. Two lovely goals to secure the three points though.
The hosts are knocking it around calmly now, even looking for a fourth!
Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:43 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Subs for the hosts as Gordon and Woltemade come off for Will Osula and Anthony Elanga.
GOAL! Newcastle 3-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:41 , Chris Wilson83 mins
GOAL! That is indeed that!
It’s Harvey Barnes again, though this goal is all thanks to the work of Woltemade and Gordon.
Gordion turns in midfield and exchanges passes with Woltemade, who flicks it back to the England winger before he threads a perfect through ball to Barnes, who simply needs to squeeze it past Trubin from close range.
Newcastle 2-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:40 , Chris Wilson80 mins
The home fans think they have a penalty as Gordon is nudged in the back in the area, but the ref points for a goal kick! Was 50/50 in truth!
Newcastle 2-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:36 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Newcastle totally dominant now, with Barnes almost finding Gordon in the box. Lukebakio does well to win a free-kick on halfway though, and the pressure is off for now.
Newcastle 2-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:34 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Newcastle went close again moments after scoring but Woltemade was just unable to get it under control.
Guimaraes then produces some lovely footwork in midfield to squeeze it between the legs of Sudakov before winning a free-kick near the Benfica box.
From the cross, Guimaraes is almost able to bring it down but it’s cleared for a corner, which Woltemade heads wide.
GOAL! Newcastle 2-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:30 , Chris Wilson71 mins
GOAL! That might wrap it up!
Pope collects that cross and produces an absolutely enormous throw to find Harbey Barnes, who is already 1-v-1 on the counter!
He races into the box but the defender closes the angle down, though just as it looks like the chance has gone, Barnes squeezes a low finish across the ground that beats the ‘keeper’s dive and goes in off the inside of the post!
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:28 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Nothing doing on the penalty check. Benfica won a free-kick at the other end, though there’s good defending from Joelinton and Burn before Lukebakio’s cross goes straight to Pope...
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:27 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Good work from Gordon on the left to lead Newcastle up the pitch before winning a corner. The first set-piece sees the England winger’s cross diverted behind, before the second ball in ends with a huge penalty appeal!
Guimaraes controlled the ball in the area and produced a lovely turn to try and spin past two defenders, but he was brought down!
There’s a VAR check ongoing, but it would be soft...
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:24 , Chris Wilson65 mins
A yellow card for Jose Mourinho (of course) after his reaction to a late challenge from Trippier.
Benfica have grown into the game again in the last few minutes, but can they capitalise while they’re on top?
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:22 , Chris Wilson62 mins
The first subs of the day then, as the hosts bring on Joelinton and Harvey Barnes for Ramsey and Murphy.
Benfica replace Dedić with Franjo Ivanovic.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:18 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Sandro Tonali is warming up on the sideline, with Howe perhaps wanting more control in midfield as the hosts have managed to get some joy going forward over the last few minutes.
Lukebakio was in on the wing moments ago, but a poor run from his teammate closed off the space and the chance came to nothing.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:13 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CLOSE! This is a great save from Trubin, as Murphy makes room for the shot within the area and the ‘keeper manages to scoop away his low effort past the post!
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:11 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Chances for the hosts, with Woltemade seeing a shot deflected past the post before Miley goes close from the ensuing corner.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:08 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Nerves for the hosts as a ball fans invitingly to Lukebakio, but his shot is headed behind before Ramsey clears up well from the corner.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:05 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Early openings for the hosts as Guimaraes almost slips a through ball into the path of Gordon. Newcastle win a corner, but Trippier’s delivery is straight to Trubin.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 21:03 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Newcastle! An important 45 minutes for Eddie Howe and his side.
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:59 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an intriguing match-up for the neutral at St James’, with neither side originally able to take control as both exchanged blows.
Benfica have hit the post through Lukebakio, who’s been their most dangerous player, but it’s the Magpies who have a lead after Gordon’s well-executed goal.
The hosts are deserving of their lead overall, having also dominated after opening the scoring.
We’ll be back underway soon at St James’.
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:54 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:48 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and Newcastle head into the break ahead after an entertaining first half.
Both sides had chances and neither was able to dominate, with Dodi Lukebakio going close for the visitors, but Anthony Gordon’s third consecutive Champions League goal separates them at the break.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:47 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Two minutes of added time here. Trippier almost finds a way through after winning the ball high, but he ends up mistiming the pass to Murphy in the area.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:45 , Chris Wilson44 mins
CLOSE! Another great effort from Lukebakio. He receives the ball wide on the wing but cuts in and sees the space open up, eventually curling an effort towards the near post that Pope does well to beat away.
From the corner, Burn is forced to deflect Sudakov’s effort away, before Lukebakio’s attempted pass ends with the winger following through on Gordon, earning a yellow card.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:42 , Chris Wilson41 mins
The visitors have struggled to get out of their own half in the last couple of minutes, though they fire a long ball towards Lukebakio, who is challenging Burn as they battle for the loose ball.
The Newcastle man just about does enough to get there first though!
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:40 , Chris Wilson39 mins
CLOSE! Guimaraes nearly turns in Murphy’s early cross but he can’t get clean contact. Gordon was arriving at the far post too, but the Brazilian’s touch took it past the winger!
There was a hint of offside anyway.
Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:38 , Chris Wilson36 mins
That goal seems a real blow for the visitors, who were unlucky not to go ahead.
The hosts are dominating now, though the latest attack breaks down due to a foul from Guimaraes.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:34 , Chris Wilson32 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead!
It’s a brilliant counter too, with Newcastle winning it just in the Benfica half before a brilliant through ball finds Murphy on the overlap.
He looks up and sees Gordon making the run in from the opposite wing, and simply squares a ball that Gordon can tap in first time!
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:32 , Chris Wilson30 mins
Still pretty even at St James’, though the hosts have had the better of the last few minutes, despite both sides’ struggles in possession.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:28 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Oh, a lovely move from Newcastle. Gordon slips it to Guimaraes, who threads the pass between two Benfica defenders to the onrushing Murphy in the box, but the winger is unable to get it under control before it’s cleared.
Dan Burn wins the header from the corner again but it is right at Guimaraes, who can’t get it under control.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:24 , Chris Wilson24 mins
Murphy tried his own effort from distance moments after that Lukebakio chance, though this one flew narrowly wide of the far post.
At the other end, the visitors win a corner that Lukebakio delivers, but it’s headed away well at the near post.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:23 , Chris Wilson22 mins
OFF THE POST!
Almost a superb opener from Lukebakio!
Murphy fails to clear and the ball is shipped to the Belgian, who opens his body up and puts some wicked curl on an effort that looks destined for the opposite corner, but it cannons off the post!
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:21 , Chris Wilson21 mins
Another half-chance for the visitors here, with Pavlidis getting free before rifling a shot into the side-netting from close range.
Despite starting to dominate possession originally, Newcastle are now looking shaky with the ball at their feet, as shown when Pope is forced to kick out for a corner when under pressure from the high press.
The ‘keeper manages to punch away from the corner easily enough though.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:18 , Chris Wilson18 mins
A yellow for Thiaw now as he goes in with a big challenge on Pavlidis.
Moments earlier, a promising Newcastle counter ended as Murphy’s cross couldn’t reach Woltemade.
Promising counter-attacking from both sides here!
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:16 , Chris Wilson16 mins
CLOSE! Benfica get their first chance as Burn misjudges the long ball and Lukebakio’s touch takes him in behind the defence. The winger is 1-v-1 with Pope at an angle, and he can’t squeeze the finish past the Newcastle ‘keeper.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
The hosts are beginning to dominate possession here, with Gordon once agin having the beating of Dedic before the full-back just about does enough to deflect the cross to Trubin.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:11 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Another attempt for the hosts, this one from distance, as Murphy tries to roll one into the far corner from outside the box.
It’s a tame effort though, barely troubling Trubin.
As an aside, Dedic was booked for that earlier challenge on Gordon.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
CLOSE!
A chance for the hosts now as Murphy is sent through on the wing. He squares an early cross to Ramsey, but the defender is there to turn the ball behind.
From the corner, Dan Burn goes close but Benfica manage to hook it clear.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:08 , Chris Wilson6 mins
Barrenechea is now okay to carry on.
At the other end, Gordon gets his first run at Dedic and beats him easily, winning a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Nothing comes of the set-piece though, but it already looks like Newcastle will get some joy down that left flank.
Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins
Stop-start at St James’ so far, with neither side able to gain control. Barrenechea is now down receiving treatment after a late challenge from Trippier.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at St James’ Park!
Newcastle vs Benfica live
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at St James’ Park, so we’ll be underway soon once we’ve had the anthems and usual pageantry.
Newcastle vs Benfica live
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:50 , Chris Wilson
Match stats
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:45 , Chris WilsonOnly Sturm Graz (16) have played more European Cup/Champions League home games without ever drawing than Newcastle (13, with six wins and seven losses). The Magpies have lost each of the last three on home soil though, which is their longest losing run in the Champions League.
Elsewhere, Nick Woltemade could become the first Newcastle player to find the net in each of their first two starts for the club in the competition.
Howe on squad and Benfica
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:37 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe reflected on his own squad as well as the threat posed by Benfica.
“Whenever you bring players in and lose players, in a sense it brings the word transition, but hopefully we've got the balance right. [By] not losing our identity and how we play. I don't think we have because you can see what we're trying to do,” he explained on his new-look squad.
"The effort's there, commitment is there but sometimes we haven't played with enough quality. As long as we see heart, endeavour and attitude, we'll get consistent results again. There is a sense of finding a new way of doing things.”
Regarding this match, he said: "We love these games. The atmosphere will be electric and I hope their performance mirrors that energy. If we're at our very best, we have a good chance and we know the importance of home games.
"It will be a competitive game between two great clubs. [Mourinho] has a way of inspiring his team to get results.
“We know what to expect and it will be up to us to influence our players and deliver the game plan that we want. They have an attacking threat and tactically, it will be an interesting game,” he added.
Match stats
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:30 , Chris WilsonBenfica are on a four-game losing streak in the UEFA Champions League, and have only once previously lost five consecutive matches in the competition: an eight-game run between March 2017 and September 2018.
José Mourinho has only won three of his 12 away games at St. James’ Park against Newcastle (D4 L5), and just one of the most recent seven (D3 L3). This will be his first game there as a manager since a 2-2 draw in April 2021, against Steve Bruce’s Newcastle while in charge of Tottenham.
Jose Mourinho believes Carabao Cup success is just the beginning for Newcastle
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:20 , Chris WilsonBenfica boss Jose Mourinho is expecting big things from Newcastle after suggesting last season’s Carabao Cup triumph was only the start.
The 62-year-old Portuguese retains huge affection for the Magpies, who host his side in the Champions League on Tuesday, because of his time working with the late Sir Bobby Robson at Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
Asked how pleased the former Newcastle boss would have been with March’s League Cup final win over Liverpool, which ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, an emotional Mourinho said: “Sir Bobby is a legend here and in England if you’re a legend, there are many reasons to be a legend.
Jose Mourinho believes Carabao Cup success is just the beginning for Newcastle
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says ‘incredible’ Jose Mourinho is one of greats
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:10 , Chris WilsonNewcastle boss Eddie Howe will go head-to-head with a manager he believes should be considered one of the game’s greats as he prepares to lock horns with Jose Mourinho.
The 62-year-old Portuguese takes his Benfica side to St James’ Park, where his mentor Sir Bobby Robson remains such a favourite, in the Champions League on Tuesday ready to resume hostilities with Howe.
Mourinho’s 26-trophy haul as a boss includes three Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his spells with Chelsea and Manchester United, and Howe has no doubts over the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid supremo’s standing in the English game.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says ‘incredible’ Jose Mourinho is one of greats
Team news
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:05 , Chris WilsonJose Mourinho has made just one change to the side that drew with Porto in their last league match, with left-back Samuel Dahl replaced by Tomás Araújo.
Enzo Barrenechea – on loan from Aston Villa – and summer signing Richard Rios anchor midfield, with Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line.
Team news
Tuesday 21 October 2025 19:00 , Chris WilsonEddie Howe has made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Brighton last time out, with two of them likely enforced changes.
Midfielder pair Joelinton and Sandro Tonali miss out – the former likely due to the injury he came off with last week and the Italian likely due to illness – though both are on the bench as Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey come in.
In attack, Anthony Elanga drops out in favour of Jacob Murphy, with Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade unsurprisingly chosen as the other two forwards.
Line-ups
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:54 , Chris WilsonBenfica XI: Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Tomás; Barrenechea, Rios; Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis.
O nosso XI 🆚 Newcastle United!#NUFCSLB | #UCL pic.twitter.com/gT8tS9EuZa
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) October 21, 2025
Line-ups
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:47 , Chris WilsonNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Miley,, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy.
Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Schar, Joelinton, Tonali, Barnes, Krafth, Osula, Elanga, Willock, Murphy.
HOWAY THE LADS! 👊 pic.twitter.com/gIiBKIaqrW
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) October 21, 2025
Team news
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:40 , Chris WilsonLine-ups should be released in around five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Newcastle have injury concerns after the loss to Brighton. Joelinton only manage 45 minutes before being replaced by Lewis Miley, while Sandro Tonali missed training this week due to a sickness bug. Tino Livramento is a main long-term absentee though Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall could be nearing returns. However, they likely won't be back until early November at the earliest.
Jose Mourinho made several changes for the cup win over Chaves at the weekend, though fans can expect several key members of the team including goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and midfielder Richard Rios to return at St James’ Park. Winger Bruma is a longer-term absentee with an Achilles issue, while Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are still in recovery from ACL injuries.
Match stats
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:30 , Chris WilsonBenfica have only won one of their last nine away games against English teams in European competition (D3 L5), going winless in four (D1 L3) since a 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur in March 2014 in the Europa League.
After their 4-0 win at Union Saint-Gilloise on MD2, Newcastle will be looking to record consecutive wins in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since February 2003 (two wins v Bayer Leverkusen).
Head-to-head
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:20 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met twice previously in European competition, having faced off in the Europa League quarter-finals in 2012/13.
Benfica won the home tie 3-1, while a 1-1 drew at St James’ was enough to give the Portuguese side a 4-2 aggregate win.
Other UCL fixtures today
Tuesday 21 October 2025 18:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of the other matches in the Champions League today:
(kick-off at 8pm BST unless specified)
Barcelona vs Olympiacos (5.45pm BST)
Kairat vs Pafos (5.45pm BST)
Villarreal vs Manchester City
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
PSV vs Napoli
Leverkusen vs PSG
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise vs Inter Milan
Copenhagen vs Dortmund
Eddie Howe hints at plans to hand Newcastle trio new contracts after Ross Wilson appointment
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:55 , Chris WilsonEddie Howe has hinted at plans to hand new contracts to three of his Newcastle players following the arrival of recently-appointed sporting director Ross Wilson.
Wilson, who was previously Nottingham Forest’s chief of football, replaced Paul Mitchell in the role at St James’s Park after his stint at the Magpies lasted less than 12 months.
One of his first orders of business could be to tie down a handful of key men in Howe’s team, with new deals touted for Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento, whose contracts expire in 2028, as well as Sven Botman, whose current deal will enter its final year at the end of this season. Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier, meanwhile, see their contracts expire at the end of next June.
Howe hints at plans to hand Newcastle trio new contracts after Wilson appointment
Sandro Tonali conspicuous by absence as Newcastle train ahead of Benfica clash
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:45 , Chris WilsonMidfielder Sandro Tonali was conspicuous by his absence as Newcastletrained on Monday morning ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
The 25-year-old Italy international did not take part in the open section of the session in front of the cameras at the club’s Darsley Park base.
Tonali, a £55million signing from AC Milan during the summer of 2003, was replaced by Jacob Ramsey with 20 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Brighton remaining.
The Italian has become a key member of Eddie Howe’s midfield alongside Brazilians Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton since returning from his 10-month ban for gambling offences in August last year.
Sandro Tonali conspicuous by absence as Newcastle train ahead of Benfica clash
Danny Welbeck bags brace as Brighton win battle with Newcastle
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:30 , Chris WilsonThe report from Newcastle’s most recent result...
Danny Welbeck scored a brace as Brighton recorded a 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle at the Amex Stadium.
Eddie Howe’s visitors looked to have rescued a point their efforts warranted when Nick Woltemade produced a sublime moment of skill to equalise with a devilish back-heel, 14 minutes from time.
Brighton had gone ahead in the first half through Welbeck, who clipped a lovely finish past Nick Pope after Newcastle’s midfield had seemingly evaporated.
Danny Welbeck bags brace as Brighton win battle with Newcastle
When is Newcastle vs Benfica?
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:20 , Chris WilsonNewcastle’s clash with Benfica in the Champions League kicks off at 8:00pm BST on Tuesday 19 October at St. James’ Park in Newcastle.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the match online via Discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Predicted line-ups
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:15 , Chris WilsonNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes; Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy.
Benfica XI: Trubin; Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Pavlidis.
Benfica team news
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:10 , Chris WilsonJose Mourinho made several changes for the cup win over Chaves at the weekend, though fans can expect several key members of the team including goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and midfielder Richard Rios to return at St James’ Park. Winger Bruma is a longer-term absentee with an Achilles issue, while Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are still in recovery from ACL injuries.
Team news
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:05 , Chris WilsonNewcastle have injury concerns after the loss to Brighton. Joelinton only manage 45 minutes before being replaced by Lewis Miley, while Sandro Tonali missed training this week due to a sickness bug. Tino Livramento is a main long-term absentee though Yoane Wissa and Lewis Hall could be nearing returns. However, they likely won't be back until early November at the earliest.
Newcastle vs Benfica live
Tuesday 21 October 2025 17:02 , Chris WilsonNewcastle United host Benfica in the Champions League league phase as they continue their campaign to earn an automatic qualification spot for the knockout rounds.
Newcastle have won one and lost one of their two matches so far as a 2-1 to Barcelona was followed by a 4-0 triumph over Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise last time out.
Eddie Howe’s side now sit in 11th in the league table with home fixtures against Bilbao and PSV still to come. A tough match against PSG finishes off their league phase so the Magpies will hope to have qualified for the next round before they face the holders.
Benfica meanwhile are now managed by Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach has overseen two wins, one draw and one defeat in his four matches so far and is keen to turn around the fortunes of the club.
Good evening
Tuesday 21 October 2025 16:59 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of Newcastle United’s Champions League match against Benfica at St James’ Park.
The Magpies come into the match off the back of mixed domestic form, though a 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise last time out in this competition has steadied the ship in Europe.
And tonight they face a Benfica side managed by Jose Mourinho as they try to consolidate a place towards the top of the league phase table.
We’ll have all the latest build-up, team news and updates right here.
