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When the Benfica manager arrived at St James' Park and complimented Newcastle's coach and his players, local fans were concerned about a difficult match. However such fears disappeared due to a strike from Anthony Gordon and two more from substitute the forward, ensuring Benfica's new manager did not inflict any trouble for Howe's team.

Match Dynamics and Early Exchanges

The Benfica boss had forecast that Newcastle would be very physical, but his Benfica players showed their similar combative approach. Benfica certainly enjoyed disrupting Newcastle's early attempts to establish a fluent attacking tempo.

Compounding the home team's issues, two midfielders, Tonali and the Brazilian, started as substitutes as they continued convalescing from sickness and injury respectively.

Before the start, the coaches shared a perfunctory, reserved greeting, and it quickly became apparent that Mourinho had instructed his team to subdue the crowd by delaying Newcastle and reducing the intensity at every chance.

Critical Moments and Turning Points

The visitors' strategy yielded varied outcomes, but when Anthony Gordon and the Newcastle attack succeeded to break through Benfica's defensive barricades, they initially found it hard to generate clear chances.

Moreover, the Belgium winger Lukebakio nearly demonstrated scoring skill when, after leaving the defender on the ground, he tested Nick Pope with a powerful shot that got an terrific single-hand save. No wonder Pope still hopes for an national team return in time for the global tournament.

But when the winger directed a further attempt off the post, Newcastle roused themselves. Jacob Murphy shot wide, and Benfica's keeper made an excellent near-post save from Guimaraes before Anthony Gordon finally broke the deadlock.

The England winger's scorching pace had created consternation for the Benfica coach all night, and he calmly slotted the opener past Trubin after Murphy's quick cross into the box proved effective.

When Newcastle's intense, high press was not anticipated by the opposition, Murphy, preferred over the expensive signing, was there to deliver a low ball across the face of goal for Gordon to polish off.

Second Half and Match-Winning Changes

Right from the start, Benfica could not be blamed of parking the bus and playing for a draw, but now Mourinho's players attacked with real freedom. Lukebakio consistently displayed an skill to unsettle Howe's defense, and the Magpies were probably relieved to reset at the break.

The first half concluded with the keeper again rescuing his side by diverting Lukebakio's left-foot wide of the post, and as the sides came out for the next period, the match seemed evenly balanced.

While Anthony Gordon, evidently buoyed by scoring his fourth goal in three European games this season, played with the zeal of a winger set to alter the power balance in Newcastle's favor, Lukebakio had different plans.

The manager's winger had previously emphasized that, while Burn is a capable central defender, he is not a born left-back, and Newcastle fans were nervous every time Lukebakio moved forward.

The Newcastle manager might have felt easier had Lewis Miley, deputising for Tonali, not directed a corner over the crossbar from a well-placed position. Instead, this thrilling contest continued to move from end to end, prompting Newcastle's manager to bring on the midfielder and Barnes in place of Ramsey and Murphy.

The Benfica boss, meanwhile, brought on an extra striker in Franjo Ivanovic. This would arguably prove a risk too far.

Barnes Seals the Match

Before that, the away team, and in particular their Portuguese back Antonio Silva, had done a good job in limiting Woltemade's space and forcing the Germany striker back. But now, with defender Dedic off, the backline was underpowered, and the way was open for Barnes to prove that Anthony Gordon is not the manager's only attacking wide player.

The home side's double substitution was already paying off by the time Pope dispatched a wonderful throw in Barnes's path. When Antonio Silva, for once, misread the bounce, the winger was clear, accelerating into the penalty box before maintaining impressive poise to lash a sublime strike past the keeper.

When Barnes rolled a low effort through unfortunate Trubin's legs after meeting Anthony Gordon's stellar through ball, it was all over. Mourinho had cautioned that Newcastle have several quick wingers, and three goals from two wide men had shattered his hopes of earning Benfica's first Champions League result of the season.