North East | Newcastle fans in celebratory mood after 'magical European night'

Newcastle United 3 - 0 Benfica

Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon inspired Eddie Howe's to a convincing Champions League win over José Mourinho’s Benfica.

Author | Ryan Gates

Stadium | St. James' Park

Newcastle’s composure in front of goal proved the difference here, sealing consecutive Champions League wins for the first time since 2003. They now have a fantastic opportunity to reach the knockout stages of Europe's premier competition for the first time ever.

The best reaction from the Newcastle faithful

Liam: Sandro Tonali was outstanding. Just 14 months after returning to action for Newcastle following his suspension, the midfielder has become indispensable to the side.

Benjamin: A performance long overdue. The wingers, Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and especially Harvey Barnes, finally delivered after weeks of inconsistency. Perhaps most encouraging was how strong the midfield looked without two of the usual starters. Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley showed there is now genuine depth in this squad. The challenge now is to carry this form into the Premier League.

Darren: A difficult start, with Benfica dangerous on the counter, but Gordon’s goal arrived at just the right moment. We dominated after the break and could easily have added two or three more. From Nick Pope to Nick Woltemade, everyone put in a shift despite some tired legs. A convincing win over Fulham next would underline this upward trajectory.

READ MORE | Match report from European Super Football

Oliver: A complete performance. We look far more assured as a Champions League side this time around. A morale-boosting victory that should serve as the launchpad for the rest of the season.

Toby: We were excellent. If we played like this every week in the Premier League, we would fly up the table. Sharp passing, quick movement, disciplined defending and clinical finishing made Benfica look ordinary.

Terrence: A magical European night.

Henry: Generally impressive, though there were some nervous moments early on. We will not get away with that against stronger opposition.

Marcus: An excellent display and result for Newcastle. Gordon produced his best performance of the season, Bruno Guimaraes dictated the tempo, and Woltemade was pure class. Miley and Ramsey looked comfortable in the starting XI, while the back four coped well despite the absence of first-choice full backs. Even Pope contributed with an assist. It showed what this side can do when everyone steps up.