Full Breakdown
Newcastle United vs. Benfica: Champions League Clash Preview
10/21/2025, 11:49:41 PM
Match Overview
Newcastle United is set to host Benfica at St. James' Park on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for a crucial UEFA Champions League match. This encounter marks the third round of the group stage, with Newcastle looking to build on their recent 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, while Benfica seeks to recover from two consecutive losses in the competition.
Historical Context
The two clubs have faced each other twice before in European competition, specifically during the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League, where Benfica advanced with a 4-2 aggregate score. Historically, Newcastle has struggled against Portuguese teams, winning only four of their six home matches against them, while Benfica has won just one of their last eight visits to England.
Current Form
Newcastle's recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League, which followed their impressive European performance. They currently sit 11th in the Champions League standings with three points from two matches. In contrast, Benfica, under the management of José Mourinho, has also faced challenges, losing both of their Champions League fixtures thus far, including a narrow defeat to Chelsea.
Recent Matches
- Newcastle's Last Five Matches:
- Brighton 2-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- Union Saint-Gilloise 0-4 Newcastle (Champions League)
- Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
- Newcastle 4-1 Bradford City (League Cup)
- Benfica's Last Five Matches:
- Chaves 0-2 Benfica (Taça de Portugal)
- Porto 0-0 Benfica (Liga Portugal)
- Chelsea 1-0 Benfica (Champions League)
- Benfica 2-1 Gil Vicente (Liga Portugal)
- Benfica 1-1 Rio Ave (Liga Portugal)
Team News
Newcastle will be without key players Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, and Yoane Wissa due to injuries. Manager Eddie Howe is expected to field a lineup featuring Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon, both of whom have been in good form. Benfica, on the other hand, will miss Bruma, Alexander Bah, and Manu Silva, with Mourinho likely to revert to his preferred starting XI after a rotation in their last match.
Predicted Lineups
- Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope (GK) — Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn — Miley, Tonali, Guimaraes — Gordon, Woltemade, Murphy.
- Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin (GK) — Dedic, A Silva, Otamendi, Dahl — Barrenechea, Rios — Ausnes, Sudakov, Lukebakio — Pavlidis.
Official Statements & Responses
Eddie Howe expressed disappointment after the Brighton match, stating, "We faded and the last half hour was hard to watch. I wasn't happy with the first half, and I think it was a time to try and shake the team up." Meanwhile, Mourinho's return to England carries emotional weight, as he acknowledges his history with Newcastle and the influence of Sir Bobby Robson on his career.
Why It Matters
This match is pivotal for both teams. A win for Newcastle would solidify their position in the group and potentially eliminate Benfica from knockout stage contention, given their current form. Conversely, a victory for Benfica could reignite their campaign and restore confidence under Mourinho.
What's Next
Following this match, Newcastle will face Athletic Club and PSV Eindhoven in their remaining fixtures, while Benfica will look to recover in their upcoming league matches against domestic rivals.
This Champions League clash promises to be a significant encounter for both clubs, with high stakes and the potential for dramatic outcomes.
