Jose Mourinho Makes Beeline for Newcastle Star After Benfica's Defeat

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was seen approaching a Newcastle United player at the end of their UEFA Champions League clash.

On Tuesday night, Benfica arrived at St. James' Park looking to get their first win in this season's Champions League campaign.

However, Premier League side Newcastle were a class above as a goal by Anthony Gordon plus a brace from Harvey Barnes sealed a comfortable 3-0 win for the Magpies.

As a result, Mourinho's men are now in 34th place in the Champions League table, having lost all three matches so far.

Meanwhile, Newcastle moved up to seventh place, having amassed six points from three games.

Following the final whistle at St. James' Park, Mourinho was seen heading over to Newcastle star Gordon, who was named as the Player of the Match.

As per journalist Dominic Scurr, Mourinho was 'one of the first to congratulate' Gordon, the Special One was also seen sharing an embrace with Magpies midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho heaped praise on Gordon and a few other Newcastle stars.

He said: "Anthony Gordon had a tremendous game - and was the best player on the pitch. The second goal from Harvey Barnes killed the game and it was easy for Newcastle to enjoy the game.

"We conceded three goals from transitions. The first - I wouldn't call it a transition, but it was a quick attack. Newcastle are a team with fantastic physicality, quality, and rhythm. They have Gordon, Murphy and Elanga and many options."

Mourinho added: "This tells me about the level of Newcastle. We could not compete with their horsepower. We lost being compact and were exposed.

"It’s just a case of levels. Their second goal was a killer, psychologically. The man-of-the-match was Anthony Gordon. Their wingers have pace and power - and they have four of them."

After netting against Benfica, Gordon has now scored four goals and assisted one in nine matches across all competitions.

Eddie Howe's men are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on Fulham at St. James' Park on Saturday afternoon.