The Matchday 3 clash in the Champions League 2025/26 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 main stage of the elite European competition after a long absence but failed to progress from the group, securing only one win in six matches. In their last game of the current Champions League campaign, the team claimed their second victory by unexpectedly thrashing Union 4-0 away. Prior to that, Newcastle suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Barcelona. The club is currently 11th 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 games.
- The club has lost their last 3 home matches 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 finds themselves at the bottom of the table in 33rd place. The team has yet to earn a point, and a change in head coach hasn't helped. Under José Mourinho, Benfica lost their last match 0-1 away to Chelsea, and before that, they suffered a surprising 2-3 home defeat to Qarabag with the previous coach. Notably, Benfica has lost four consecutive matches in the main stage of the tournament.
- At least one team has failed to score in 5 of Benfica's last 6 games in this tournament.
- Benfica has not lost in 5 of their last 7 away matches 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 games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – António Silva, Samuel Dall, Nicolás Otamendi, Amar Dedic – Richard Rios, Enzo Barrenechea, Georgiy Sudakov – Fredrik Aursnes, Evangelos Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio.
Defender Alexander Bah, midfielder Nuno Felix, and forward Bruma are injured. Forward Gianluca Prestianni is on duty with his youth national team.
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 they face a tough challenge. Benfica has not defeated Premier League representatives in their last 11 Champions League matches (3 draws and 8 losses). The Portuguese side also has an 8-match winless streak in European competitions against English opponents (3 draws and 5 losses). I believe Benfica will suffer another defeat this time.
The English side is gradually gaining momentum in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Their biggest win in the main stage of the tournament should boost the players' confidence (against 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 to Win
