Newcastle United face Portuguese giants Benfica in a high-stakes Champions League showdown at St James’ Park on Tuesday night with both sides looking to inject consistency into their European campaigns.
The Magpies come into the match with a mixed run of form. After a resounding 4-0 away victory over Union Saint Gilloise on matchday two, they stumbled in the Premier League with a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Their struggle to string together wins has been a theme this season as Eddie Howe’s side have not recorded back-to-back victories in any competition since early September and have alternated between wins and losses in each of their six home fixtures so far.
On the European stage, Newcastle are still finding their feet. Their last three Champions League home matches have all ended in narrow one-goal defeats, and they have not managed two straight wins in the competition since 2003. Still, with electric talents like Anthony Gordon,who has scored three times in two UCL games this season,the home crowd will be hoping for another spark.
Benfica, now under the guidance of José Mourinho, also arrive with something to prove. The two-time European champions have lost both of their opening group stage matches, falling narrowly to Qarabag and Chelsea. Friday’s 2-0 away win over Chaves provided a timely morale boost, but Mourinho’s side have not won a Champions League group match on the road in their last two attempts. History also is not on their side when it comes to trips to England, Benfica have won just once in their last nine European visits to English clubs.
However, Mourinho will be drawing on his deep well of experience and familiarity with English football, having faced Newcastle many times in his career. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been in fine form, scoring four goals in his last four appearances for the Portuguese side, and will be a key threat early in the match, especially as many of his goals have come in the first 30 minutes.
Injuries could play a role in how the match unfolds. Newcastle are without Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa, while Benfica have concerns over Alexander Bah, Bruma and Nuno Félix.
With both sides eager to climb the standings and rescue their Champions League ambitions, this clash promises tension, intensity and possibly goals. Mourinho’s return to England adds further intrigue, but Newcastle will be banking on home advantage and attacking energy to take control of Group Stage Round 3.
