Harvey Barnes Scores Two Goals as The Magpies Defeat Benfica and Jose Mourinho
When the Benfica manager arrived at Newcastle's stadium and complimented Newcastle's coach and his squad, local supporters feared a tough game. But those fears vanished thanks to a goal from the winger and two more from replacement the forward, making sure the visitors' coach did not inflict any trouble for Howe's team.
Match Flow and Initial Action
The Benfica boss had predicted that Newcastle would be extremely aggressive, but his Benfica players displayed their own aggressive approach. The visitors certainly enjoyed disrupting the Magpies' initial efforts to establish a smooth attacking rhythm.
Adding to Newcastle's issues, key midfielders, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, started on the bench as they were convalescing from sickness and a knock each.
Prior to the start, the two managers shared a perfunctory, reserved embrace, and it soon became clear that the Benfica coach had told his side to quiet the home fans by slowing the game and reducing the temperature at every chance.
Critical Moments and Turning Points
Benfica's tactic produced varied outcomes, but when Gordon and the Newcastle attack succeeded to break through Benfica's defensive barricades, they initially struggled to create good chances.
Moreover, Benfica's Belgium attacker Dodi Lukebakio nearly showed scoring skill when, after leaving the defender behind, he tested Nick Pope with a powerful shot that got an excellent one-handed save. It's no surprise the goalkeeper still hopes for an England return in time for the global tournament.
But when Lukebakio directed a further shot against the woodwork, Newcastle roused themselves. Jacob Murphy shot off target, and Anatoliy Trubin made an excellent close-range stop from Guimaraes before Gordon at last opened the scoreless tie.
Gordon's blazing pace had created consternation for Mourinho all night, and he neatly side-footed the opener past Trubin after Murphy's quick ball into the box proved effective.
On the occasion the Magpies' intense, pressing game was not second-guessed by Benfica, Jacob Murphy, preferred over the expensive signing, was there to deliver a low ball across the goal for Gordon to polish off.
Second Half and Decisive Substitutions
Right from the start, the Portuguese team could not be accused of defending deeply and seeking a point, but now Mourinho's side pushed forward with total abandon. Lukebakio repeatedly displayed an skill to destabilize Newcastle's defense, and the home team were probably grateful to reset at half-time.
The first half ended with Pope once more rescuing his side by diverting the attacker's shot wide of the goal frame, and as the sides came out for the second half, the match seemed evenly balanced.
If Anthony Gordon, evidently buoyed by netting his fourth strike in three European games this campaign, played with the zeal of a wide player aiming to alter the power balance in his team's direction, Lukebakio had different ideas.
Mourinho's No 11 had already shown that, while Burn is a capable centre-back, he is not a natural full-back, and home hearts were nervous every time Lukebakio advanced.
Howe might have felt easier had 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 one goal to the other, prompting the coach to introduce the midfielder and Barnes in place of Jacob Ramsey and Murphy.
Mourinho, at the same time, brought on an additional striker in Ivanovic. This would perhaps prove a gamble that backfired.
Barnes Wins the Match
Before that, Benfica, and in particular their Portuguese back Antonio Silva, had done a good job in limiting Nick Woltemade's space and pushing the Germany striker back. However, with right-back Amar Dedic substituted, the backline was underpowered, and the way was clear for Barnes to show that Gordon is not Howe's only attacking wide player.
The home side's double substitution was already proving effective by the time the goalkeeper dispatched a superb throw in the substitute's path. When Antonio Silva, on this occasion, misjudged the flight, the winger was clear, sprinting into the penalty box before keeping impressive poise to lash a sublime shot past the keeper.
After Barnes slid a shot through poor the goalkeeper's legs after receiving Gordon's stellar through ball, it was finished. Mourinho had warned that Newcastle have four quick wide attackers, and a trio of strikes from two wide men had shattered his hopes of earning Benfica's first European result of the campaign.
