Mourinho’s Stark Admission: Newcastle’s Wingers Overpower Benfica in 3-0 Rout

Mourinho’s Stark Admission: Newcastle’s Wingers Overpower Benfica in 3-0 Rout

Jose Mourinho, the iconic Benfica manager, known for his tactical acumen and unfiltered commentary, left the football world buzzing after Newcastle United’s commanding 3-0 victory over his side in the UEFA Champions League on October 21, 2025, at St. James’ Park. In his post-match remarks, the Special One didn’t mince words, pinpointing Newcastle’s wingers as the catalyst for Benfica’s downfall. “This tells me about the level of Newcastle,” Mourinho said. “We could not compete with their horsepower. We lost being compact and were exposed. It’s just a case of levels. Their second goal was a killer, psychologically. The man-of-the-match was Anthony Gordon. Their wingers have pace and power—and they have four of them.”

Mourinho’s assessment came after a match where Newcastle’s wing play tore Benfica apart. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, tapping in a precise low cross from Jacob Murphy, marking his fourth consecutive Champions League goal—a historic feat for a Newcastle player. The Magpies’ relentless pace continued in the second half, with substitute Harvey Barnes netting a brace, first in the 70th minute off a remarkable 65-yard throw from goalkeeper Nick Pope, then in the 83rd minute, finishing a move involving Gordon and Nick Woltemade

The “four wingers” Mourinho referenced—Gordon, Murphy, Barnes, and the overlapping Valentino Livramento—embodied Newcastle’s dynamic edge. Their speed and directness exposed Benfica’s compact setup, which crumbled under sustained pressure. Gordon, the man-of-the-match, was a constant menace, his goal and assist underlining his growing stature. Barnes, coming off the bench, showcased Newcastle’s depth, his clinical finishes sealing a result that propelled the Magpies to seventh in the Champions League table with six points, while Benfica languished in 34th.

Fans across the spectrum echoed Mourinho’s sentiments. On platforms like X, Newcastle supporters reveled in the praise, with posts like, “Mourinho knows our wingers are unstoppable!” gaining traction. Benfica fans, though disheartened, agreed, with one lamenting, “Our defense had no answer for their speed.” Pundits from Sky Sports to A Bola amplified the narrative, noting Newcastle’s wingers as a “new breed of terror” in European football. Clips of Gordon’s runs and Barnes’ goals flooded social media, amassing millions of views, cementing the consensus that Newcastle’s flanks are a force to be reckoned with.

For Mourinho, the defeat was a sobering lesson. Benfica, despite early promise with Dodi Lukebakio hitting the post, managed just 0.33 expected goals (xG) from seven shots, compared to Newcastle’s 2.81 xG from 19 attempts. The Portuguese giants now face a steep climb in the Champions League, while Newcastle’s back-to-back wins signal their ascent. Mourinho’s candid nod to Newcastle’s “horsepower” isn’t just praise—it’s a warning to future opponents. As Eddie Howe’s Magpies soar, their wingers are rewriting the script, leaving even the Special One in awe.