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When the Benfica manager arrived at Newcastle's stadium and complimented Newcastle's coach and his squad, local supporters were concerned about a tough game. But those worries disappeared thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon and two more from replacement Harvey Barnes, making sure Benfica's new manager did not inflict any trouble for Howe's team.

Game Dynamics and Early Exchanges

Mourinho had predicted that Newcastle would be very physical, but his Benfica players displayed their own combative approach. Benfica certainly delighted in disrupting Newcastle's initial attempts to build a smooth attacking tempo.

Adding to the home team's issues, key players, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, started as substitutes as they were convalescing from sickness and a knock each.

Before kick-off, the two managers exchanged a brief, cool embrace, and it soon became apparent that the Benfica coach had told his side to subdue the crowd by delaying the game and lowering the temperature at every chance.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Benfica's strategy yielded mixed outcomes, but when Gordon and his teammates managed to dismantle Benfica's backline, they initially found it hard to generate good chances.

Additionally, the Belgian winger Lukebakio almost demonstrated scoring skill when, after beating the defender on the ground, he forced Nick Pope with a powerful strike that required an excellent one-handed save. No wonder Pope retains hope for an England recall in time for the global tournament.

Yet when Lukebakio hit another shot off the post, the home side woke up. Jacob Murphy shot wide, and Benfica's keeper made an impressive close-range save from Bruno Guimaraes before Anthony Gordon at last broke the deadlock.

The England winger's blazing pace had created consternation for Mourinho all night, and he neatly side-footed the opener past the goalkeeper after Murphy's quick ball into the box paid off.

On the occasion the Magpies' hard, pressing game was not anticipated by the opposition, Jacob Murphy, chosen over the expensive signing, was there to deliver a low ball across the face of goal for Gordon to finish.

Second Half and Match-Winning Changes

Right from the start, Benfica could not be accused of parking the bus and playing for a draw, but now their players attacked with total freedom. Lukebakio consistently showed an skill to destabilize Newcastle's defense, and the Magpies were likely grateful to reset at the break.

The first half concluded with Pope once more saving his side by tipping the attacker's shot around the goal frame, and as the sides came out for the next period, the match seemed finely balanced.

While Anthony Gordon, evidently boosted by netting his fourth goal in three European appearances this season, played with the determination of a winger aiming to alter the balance in Newcastle's direction, Lukebakio had other plans.

Mourinho's winger had already shown that, while Burn is a capable central defender, he is not a born left-back, and home hearts were nervous every time Lukebakio moved forward.

The Newcastle manager might have felt easier had Miley, deputising for Tonali, not directed a set-piece above the bar from a good spot. Rather, this thrilling contest continued to swing from end to end, prompting Newcastle's coach to introduce the midfielder and Harvey Barnes in place of Ramsey and Murphy.

Mourinho, meanwhile, threw on an extra forward in Ivanovic. This would perhaps prove a risk too far.

Barnes Seals the Game

Until then, Benfica, and in particular their Portuguese defender Antonio Silva, had done a good job in restricting Nick Woltemade's space and pushing Newcastle's German centre-forward deep. But now, with right-back Amar Dedic substituted, the backline was weakened, and the way was clear for Barnes to show that Gordon is not Howe's only attacking winger.

Newcastle's double substitution was already proving effective by the time the goalkeeper dispatched a superb long throw in Barnes's path. When Silva, for once, misread the flight, the winger was away, sprinting into the penalty box before keeping commendable poise to lash a sublime strike past Trubin.

When Barnes rolled a low effort through poor Trubin's feet after meeting Anthony Gordon's excellent pass, it was all over. Mourinho had warned that Newcastle have several quick wide attackers, and three goals from two wide men had destroyed his chances of earning the team's first European result of the season.