Champions League 2025-2026: Newcastle-Benfica, the likely lineups

High-tension match at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle hosts Benfica in the third day of the League Phase of the Champions League. Kickoff Tuesday at 9 p.m., with Howe’s Bianconeri determined to redeem a historic poor record against Portuguese teams: seven previous matches in UEFA competitions, only one win. It’s time to turn things around.

If Newcastle does not have a great feeling with Lusitanian formations, Benfica cannot smile against English ones either: José Mourinho’s team has not won in eight matches against UK opponents (five defeats and three draws). After the knockouts against Chelsea and Porto, it is likely to be the third consecutive defeat in the competition for the Portuguese, a result that would seriously complicate the run to the second knockout stage.

Newcastle, buoyed by its crowd, will immediately try to impose pace and aggression. St. James’ Park will be packed for the occasion, and Eddie Howe’s team has shown it can play with anyone, thanks in part to the recent revival of Woltemade, finally scoring in Europe. All signs that tip the balance toward the Magpies.

Probable lineups:

Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Bruno Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Coach: Howe

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedić, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Barrenechea, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Pavlidis, Sudakov.
Coach: Mourinho