Newcastle vs Benfica Preview

• Vitória do Newcastle
• Mais de 3,5 golos

Newcastle welcome José Mourinho’s Benfica to St James’ Park in this UEFA Champions League clash, seeking the consistency that has eluded them so far this season. Both sides come into this contest looking to steady their European campaigns after mixed results, promising a high-stakes encounter under the lights in the North East.

Newcastle responded to their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on matchday one with an emphatic 4-0 away win over Union Saint-Gilloise, showcasing the attacking flair that made them such a force in last year’s competition. However, their momentum was halted at the weekend by a 2-1 Premier League loss to Brighton, continuing a stop-start pattern that has frustrated manager Eddie Howe.

Stringing together victories remains a challenge for the Magpies, who have not managed back-to-back UCL wins since February 2003. Their home form paints a similarly inconsistent picture, as the recent 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest means they have now alternated between wins and losses in all six home fixtures this season (W3, L3). If that sequence continues, defeat would be next — something Howe will be desperate to avoid.

Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in England with their own share of issues. Mourinho’s men have won just two of their last five matches in all competitions (D2, L1) and have endured a tough start to the UCL league phase, losing narrowly to Qarabağ (3-2) and Chelsea (1-0). Their defensive frailties and slow starts have cost them dearly so far in Europe.

Still, Friday’s 2-0 away win over Chaves in domestic action provided a welcome boost ahead of this trip, with Mourinho’s trademark pragmatism helping the Eagles secure a much-needed clean sheet. However, they have reason for concern — Benfica have lost their last two UCL proper away fixtures, both by fine margins, suggesting they may once again struggle to turn performance into points on the road.

História do confronto direto

Benfica are unbeaten in both previous meetings between the sides (W1, D1), having triumphed in the Europa League quarter-finals back in the 2012/13 season. Historically, though, their record on English soil leaves much to be desired — just one win in their last nine European away games against English opponents (D3, L5).

For Newcastle, the record against Portuguese sides is also worrying. The Magpies are winless in their last five games against Portuguese opposition (D3, L2), a streak they will hope to end with the backing of a vibrant home crowd at St James’ Park.

Estatísticas e sequências quentes

• Four of Newcastle’s last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals, as have each of their last three UCL fixtures.
• Newcastle have lost their last three UCL home games, each by a one-goal margin.
• Benfica have conceded exactly once in three of their last five matches.
• None of Benfica’s last four away games have seen both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Anthony Gordon is emerging as Newcastle’s star performer on the European stage. The winger has scored three goals in the Magpies’ two UCL fixtures so far and also found the net for England during the international break.

Interestingly, each of his last seven club goals has arrived after the 40th minute, underlining his knack for making a late impact.

For Benfica, Vangelis Pavlidis has quickly become their main goal threat. The Greek forward has scored four goals in his last four appearances for the club.

Three of those strikes came before the half-hour mark — a pattern that could be crucial if the visitors are to unsettle Newcastle early.

In terms of team news, Newcastle remain without Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa through injury. Benfica, meanwhile, look set to travel without Alexander Bah, Bruma and Nuno Félix, with Mourinho expected to make minimal rotations to preserve continuity.

Visão geral tática

Eddie Howe will likely stick with his aggressive 4-3-3 setup, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions through Gordon, Alexander Isak and Miguel Almirón. Newcastle’s ability to stretch play down the flanks and deliver from wide areas could prove decisive against a Benfica side that often struggles when forced to defend crosses.

Mourinho’s Benfica, on the other hand, are expected to prioritise defensive organisation and counter-attacking precision. The Portuguese side will look to soak up pressure and break through Pavlidis and Rafa Silva, while keeping their shape compact in midfield. Mourinho’s tactical acumen against English sides is well documented, but his team must stay disciplined to avoid being overrun in the opening stages.

Análise de apostas

The odds are firmly in Newcastle’s favour, given their strong home advantage and Benfica’s patchy away form. The Magpies’ attacking intensity and Benfica’s defensive vulnerabilities make a home win the logical choice, especially considering the visitors’ struggles to score in recent European outings.

Backing a Newcastle win with over 2.5 total goals offers solid value, given the hosts’ recent high-scoring games and Benfica’s tendency to concede on the road. A 3-1 victory for Newcastle looks a realistic outcome, continuing the theme of attacking spectacle at St James’ Park.

Prediction: Newcastle 3–1 Benfica

Newcastle’s attacking firepower should be enough to overcome a well-drilled but inconsistent Benfica side. Mourinho’s men may pose a threat on the counter, but the Magpies’ energy and home form should see them edge an entertaining encounter to strengthen their UCL campaign.

Para mais informações sobre este jogo, também podes visitar:
Newcastle vs Benfica | UEFA Champions League 2025/26