The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Newcastle (England) and Benfica (Portugal) will take place on October 21 at St. James' Park. Newcastle vs. Benfica: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Newcastle
Two years ago, the English side returned to the elite European competition's main stage after a long absence but failed to advance from the group, securing only one win in six matches. In their latest Champions League match, they claimed their second victory by unexpectedly thrashing Union 4-0 away. Prior to that, Newcastle suffered a 1-2 defeat against Barcelona at home. The club currently sits in 11th place in the standings with 3 points.
- The team has not won in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament (2 draws and 4 losses).
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 6 of Newcastle's last 8 Champions League matches.
- The club has lost their last 3 home games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Newcastle (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn – Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton – Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade.
Due to injuries, key defender Valentino Livramento, midfielder Lewis Hall, and forward Yoan Wissa will miss the game.
Benfica
After two rounds, the Portuguese side unexpectedly found themselves at the bottom of the standings in 33rd place. The team has yet to earn a point, and the change in head coach has not helped. Under José Mourinho, the Lisbon side lost their last match 0-1 away to Chelsea, and before that, with their previous coach, they suffered a shocking 2-3 home defeat to Qarabag. Additionally, Benfica has now lost four consecutive matches in the tournament's main stage.
- At least one team did not score in 5 of Benfica's last 6 matches in this tournament.
- Benfica has not lost in 5 of their last 7 away games in the Champions League (4 wins and 1 draw).
- No more than two goals have been scored in 5 of Benfica's last 6 away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – António Silva, Samuel Dál, Nicolás Otamendi, Amar Dedić – Richard Ríos, Enzo Barrenechea, Georgiy Sudakov – Fredrik Aursnes, Evangelos Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio.
Defender Alexander Bah, midfielder Manu Silva, and forward Bruma are injured.
Referee
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 36%.
Newcastle vs. Benfica: Match Prediction
José Mourinho will lead his team in a second consecutive group stage match in England, where it will be very challenging for them. The Lisbon side has failed to defeat Premier League teams in their last 11 Champions League matches (3 draws and 8 losses). Additionally, Benfica has an 8-match winless streak in European competitions against English opponents (3 draws and 5 losses). I believe the Portuguese will suffer another defeat this time.
The English side is gradually gaining momentum in both the Premier League and the Champions League. The team's biggest victory in the tournament's main stage should boost the players' confidence (over Union). It's also worth noting that if Anthony Gordon scores in this game, he will become the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches.
My prediction: Newcastle Win
