Newcastle United 3-0 Benfica: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Newcastle United 3-0 Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Newcastle United delivered a commanding performance against Benfica, securing a 3-0 victory at home. The result was not entirely surprising given Newcastle's recent form, having won their previous match 4-0 against Union Saint-Gilloise. The Magpies extended their winning streak, showcasing their dominance in the Champions League. Anthony Gordon was particularly impressive, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Benfica, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing, continuing their poor run of form after a 0-1 loss to Chelsea. The Portuguese side failed to register any key moments in the match, highlighting their inability to challenge Newcastle effectively. This defeat marks another setback for Benfica, who will need to regroup quickly to turn their fortunes around.

The statistics from the match largely align with Newcastle United's convincing victory. The Magpies enjoyed 52% possession and had 12 corners compared to Benfica's 8, indicating their control over the game. Newcastle's successful dribbles percentage stood at an impressive 70%, significantly higher than Benfica's 42%, which underscores their superior performance on the ball. The only yellow card each team received suggests a relatively disciplined game, despite the competitive nature of the match.

Newcastle United's first goal came in the 32nd minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The second goal in the 70th minute further solidified their lead, while the third goal in the 83rd minute sealed a comprehensive victory. These goals were crucial in determining the outcome, as they not only secured the win but also demoralized Benfica, who failed to respond effectively.

Benfica, unfortunately, had no key moments to speak of during the match. This lack of significant actions from the Portuguese side highlights their struggle to compete against a well-organized Newcastle team. The absence of any notable attempts or defensive stands from Benfica underscores their disappointing performance on the night.

Newcastle United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Nick Pope in goal and a backline of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn. The midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley, and Jacob Ramsey provided stability and creativity, while the front three of Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Gordon proved lethal. The impact of Anthony Gordon, who scored and assisted, was particularly notable, and the five substitutions made by Newcastle suggest a strategic approach to maintaining their lead and managing player fatigue.

Benfica opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Anatoliy Trubin between the posts and a defense consisting of Amar Dedić, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, and Tomás Araújo. The midfield was anchored by Dodi Lukébakio, Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, and Fredrik Aursnes, with Georgiy Sudakov playing just behind the lone striker Vangelis Pavlidis. The single substitution made by Benfica indicates a lack of tactical flexibility or perhaps a reluctance to change their approach despite trailing. No standout performances were evident from the Benfica lineup, contributing to their defeat.

Anthony Gordon is Coral's Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. He scored one goal and provided one assist, directly contributing to two of Newcastle's three goals. Additionally, Gordon created one big chance and made one key pass, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team's attacking play. His all-around contribution was crucial in securing the victory for Newcastle United.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 3-0 vs Benfica (H)
• Win: 4-0 vs Union Saint-Gilloise (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 0-3 vs Newcastle United (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Chelsea (A)

Sitting in 7th place with 6 points, Newcastle United will face Fulham on October 25, 2025, at 15:00. This convincing win against Benfica should boost their confidence as they prepare for their next challenge. The Magpies will likely approach the game with a similar intensity, aiming to continue their winning streak and climb the league table.

With a league position of 34th and 0 points, Benfica's next match is against Arouca on October 25, 2025, at 20:30. This heavy defeat to Newcastle United will undoubtedly affect their morale, and they will need to regroup quickly. Benfica must focus on improving their performance and finding a way to secure points in their upcoming fixture.

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