Anthony Gordon Shines As Newcastle Thrash Benfica In Champions League Masterclass

When the final whistle blew at St James’ Park, even Jose Mourinho couldn’t help but wrap an arm around Anthony Gordon. It was one of those nights when everything just clicked for Newcastle United — and Gordon, once again, was the star of the show.

The Magpies, who’ve been struggling for goals in the Premier League, came alive on the European stage. With only seven goals in the league so far, they’ve already bagged eight in just three Champions League games — and this 3-0 win against Benfica was the perfect showcase of their European spark.

From the start, it was clear that Eddie Howe’s side meant business. Nineteen shots, ten on target, and thirty-eight touches in the opponent’s box — those numbers tell you everything about Newcastle’s intent.

And right in the middle of it all? Anthony Gordon.

Gordon steps up when it matters

When the match hung in the balance and the stadium fell into that nervous pre-goal silence, Gordon pounced. Jacob Murphy, recalled to the starting line-up, whipped in one of his trademark low crosses — and Gordon calmly side-footed home at the back post.

That goal wasn’t just a confidence booster — it was history. Gordon became the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League games, a feat that even the legendary Alan Shearer could only dream of matching.

“It means everything, but I need to get more,” Gordon told TNT Sport, channeling the kind of hunger that makes a future club icon.

Mourinho admits the Magpies were ruthless

Mourinho, never one to hide his feelings, admitted that his Benfica side were “very comfortable” in the early stages — until Newcastle’s set-piece threat and relentless energy took over.

“When you have a team of giants, every corner or throw-in is a dramatic moment,” the Portuguese manager said. But when Gordon broke the deadlock, the tide turned completely.

Pope’s assist — a thing of beauty

If you thought the first goal was good, the second was pure magic. Nick Pope, known more for his shot-stopping, launched a 65-yard throw that caught everyone off guard. Harvey Barnes, fresh off the bench, controlled it brilliantly and finished off the post to make it 2-0.

Even the defenders couldn’t help but sprint the length of the pitch to celebrate with Pope — a rare moment of goalkeeper glory.

And just when Benfica thought it was over, Barnes struck again, this time off a lovely assist from Gordon. The dynamic duo have now combined for seven goals in just three Champions League matches — but none in the Premier League yet.

The Howe way — and the promise of more

Eddie Howe was all smiles but kept things grounded. “We’re seeing the early shoots of the new team and it’s exciting what we can be,” he said. “But a lot of hard work ahead.”

Still, if this performance is anything to go by, Newcastle fans can start dreaming again. European nights at St James’ Park are back — and Anthony Gordon is making sure they shine brighter than ever.

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