Newcastle v Benfica live: Magpies host Jose Mourinho’s side in fascinating Champions League clash | OneFootball

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Nick Pope previews Newcastle's Champions League game against Benfica

Newcastle United take on Benfica in the Champions League as the hosts look to consolidate their place in the competition’s league phase table.

Eddie Howe’s side lost to Barcelona in the first match of their European campaign but a dominant 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in their second match has put them in a decent position, with the Magpies 11th in the table after two games.

And their third clash pits them against a Benfica side that was recently taken over by Jose Mourinho, though the two-time winners are yet to secure a win in Europe this term.

With a tricky run of league phase fixtures including trips to Marseille and defending champions PSG, securing wins in home matches such as this is likely to be pivotal in Newcastle’s bid to reach the knockout rounds, though it could well be a difficult night against the Portuguese giants.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says ‘incredible’ Jose Mourinho is one of greats

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will go head-to-head with a manager he believes should be considered one of the game’s greats as he prepares to lock horns with Jose Mourinho.

The 62-year-old Portuguese takes his Benfica side to St James’ Park, where his mentor Sir Bobby Robson remains such a favourite, in the Champions League on Tuesday ready to resume hostilities with Howe.

Mourinho’s 26-trophy haul as a boss includes three Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and the Europa League during his spells with Chelsea and Manchester United, and Howe has no doubts over the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid supremo’s standing in the English game.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says ‘incredible’ Jose Mourinho is one of greats

The 62-year-old has endured mixed fortunes on his previous trips to St James’ Park.

Chris Wilson21 October 2025 19:10