These two clubs have only ever met once before, clashing in the quarter-finals of the 2013 Europa League, with Benfica winning 3-1 at Estádio da Luz, before a 1-1 draw on Tyneside.
Newcastle have never lost a home match against Portuguese opposition, winning four out of six, while Benfica have won only one of their last eight visits to England.
Newcastle vs Benfica preview
After claiming an historic Champions League victory early this month, will it be a night to remember on Tyneside? Last time out in this competition, Eddie Howe's side demolished Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels, the club's biggest-ever Champions League victory. Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes both on target at Stade Constant Vanden Stock, while Anthony Gordon converted a pair of penalties in-between.
This got the Toon Army off the mark in the league phase, following a spirited 2-1 defeat when Barcelona visited the North East back on matchday one. After this, Newcastle's remaining fixtures see them host Athletic Club and PSV Eindhoven, as well as travel to Olympique Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain, which won't be easy, underlining that every point is precious.
Meantime, in the Premier League, the Magpies' wait for a first away win continued on Saturday, beaten 2-1 by Brighton, conceding late on after Woltemade had audaciously equalised. At St James' though, Newcastle remain strong, so will fancy their chances of a victory come Tuesday night.
As for visitors Benfica, they're one of only four clubs yet to get off the mark in the league phase. On matchday one, they were dramatically beaten 3-2 by Qarabağ in Lisbon, despite leading 2-0 inside a quarter of an hour, a collapse that saw Bruno Lage sacked. To fill the vacancy, 25 years after letting him go, José Mourinho was re-appointed head coach by under fire President Rui Costa.
The narrative was through the roof when Mourinho took charge of their matchday two clash, an away game at Stamford Bridge, but his presences didn't help much, given that Richard Ríos' early own goal condemned the Eagles to a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea. To come, Benfica's remaining Champions League opponents are Bayer Leverkusen, Ajax, Napoli, Juventus and Real Madrid, making it appear unlikely that they're going to yield enough points to reach the knockout stages.
Domestically, the Eagles sit third in the Primeira Liga, four points adrift current leaders Porto, after the duo played out a goalless draw in O Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão before the international break. Ahead of this one, Mourinho credits the late great Sir Bobby Robson was commencing his coaching career, so this will be a poignant trip to Tyneside for him, but unlikely to be an enjoyable one, with Newcastle firm favourites to prevail.
Newcastle United vs Benfica head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Newcastle United Wins: Zero. Draws: 1. Benfica Wins: 1.
Newcastle team news
Tino Livramento and Yoane Wissa remain sidelined, while Sandro Tonali is a major doubt due to illness, not taking part in training on Monday.
Should he miss out, fit again summer signing Jacob Ramsey could come into midfield, while Joe Willock and Lewis Miley are the alternatives. Fellow midfielder Joelinton would sit out the matchday four clash with Athletic Club Bilbao if booked, having been cautioned in both outings so far.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Benfica: (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Guimarães, Ramsey, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
Newcastle player to watch vs Benfica
Having netted against both Barcelona and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Anthony Gordon is seeking to become the first Newcastle player to ever score in three successive Champions League matches.
Benfica team news
José Mourinho rotated a bit for Friday night's Taça de Portugal victory over second-tier Chaves, with familiar face Nicolás Otamendi among those who will be restored to the starting lineup.
Winger Dodi Lukébakio, who joined from Sevilla in the summer, will be a threat on the right-wing, while Argentine midfielder Enzo Barrenechea is on loan from Aston Villa
Benfica predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-2-3-1): Trubin, Dedić, Otamendi, António Silva, Dahl; Ríos, Barrenechea, Aursnes, Lukébakio, Sudakov; Pavlidis.
Benfica player to watch vs Newcastle
Since joining Benfica from AZ, Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 39 goals for the club, eight of which have come in the Champions League, including a hat-trick in defeat against Barcelona at Estádio da Luz. He scored both when Greece beat England 2-1 at Wembley 12 months ago, so could he be the hero in the North East this time?
Newcastle vs Benfica prediction
Benfica are not a particularly strong side right now, hence why they've ended up with José Mourinho in charge, so we are confidently backing Newcastle for victory: Newcastle United 2-0 Benfica.
Newcastle vs Benfica FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Newcastle United vs Benfica in the Champions League on TV channel?
Newcastle United vs Benfica in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2 & Ultimate.
- USA: CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Newcastle United vs Benfica in the Champions League on live streaming?
Newcastle United vs Benfica in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Newcastle United vs Benfica in the Champions League?
Newcastle United vs Benfica takes place on Tuesday 21 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).