Newcastle United vs Benfica – UEFA Champions League Match Preview (21/10/2025)

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025

• Kick-off: 21:00 BST

• Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

• Competition: UEFA Champions League – Group Stage (Matchday 3)

Current Form & Team News

Newcastle United

• Group Stage Record: 1 win, 1 loss

• Recent Form: W-L-W (Premier League)

• Key Players: Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali

Newcastle United enters this fixture with a mixed record in the Champions League, securing 3 points from their first two matches. Their recent 4–0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise boosted morale, with Anthony Gordon scoring twice from the penalty spot and Nick Woltemade adding another. However, the team faces defensive challenges, with left-back Lewis Hall suffering a hamstring injury and Tino Livramento sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a knee ligament issue.

Benfica

• Group Stage Record: 0 wins, 2 losses

• Recent Form: L-L-W (Primeira Liga)

• Key Players: João Neves, David Neres, Gonçalo Ramos

Benfica has struggled in the Champions League, losing both of their opening matches. Domestically, they are in better form, but their European performances have been underwhelming. The team will look to turn their fortunes around against Newcastle, relying on the experience of João Neves and the attacking prowess of David Neres and Gonçalo Ramos.

Head-to-Head Record

• Previous Encounters:

  • 11 April 2013: Newcastle United 1–1 Benfica (UEFA Europa League)

  • 4 April 2013: Benfica 3–1 Newcastle United (UEFA Europa League)

These two teams have met twice in European competitions, with Benfica winning the tie on aggregate. However, both matches were closely contested, indicating that Newcastle can compete at this level.

Statistical Insights

• Newcastle's Home Advantage: The team has been strong at home in European competitions, with a solid record in recent seasons.

• Benfica's Away Record: Benfica has struggled in away matches in the Champions League, often finding it challenging to secure points on the road.

• Goals Scored: Newcastle has shown attacking intent, scoring multiple goals in recent matches, while Benfica has been more conservative in their approach.

Tactical Breakdown

Newcastle United

• Strengths: Strong midfield control with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães; dynamic attacking play led by Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade.

• Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities, especially on the left flank due to recent injuries.

• Strategy: Utilize home advantage to press high, control possession, and exploit the wings.

Benfica

• Strengths: Experienced squad with a strong defensive record domestically.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent performances in European competitions; reliance on counter-attacks.

• Strategy: Focus on defensive solidity and capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks.

Prediction & Betting Tips

• Predicted Score: Newcastle United 2–1 Benfica

• Betting Tips:

  • Newcastle to Win: Given their home advantage and recent form, Newcastle is favored to secure all three points.

  • Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams have shown attacking intent, suggesting a high-scoring match.

  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Considering both teams' offensive capabilities, both are likely to find the net.

  • Newcastle to Score in Both Halves: With their dynamic attacking play, Newcastle is expected to score in both halves.

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