Jose Mourinho, the manager of Benfica, stated that his team needs to secure about 11 points from their remaining Champions League matches to guarantee qualification to the knockout phase. This candid remark came following Benfica’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on October 20, 2025, where goals from Anthony Gordon and a brace from Harvey Barnes sealed a comprehensive win for the English side.
Despite the loss, Mourinho remains optimistic about Benfica’s chances of progressing in the tournament. With 15 points still available in their upcoming fixtures, including challenging games against Real Madrid, Juventus, Napoli, Ajax, and Bayer Leverkusen, Mourinho stressed the importance of focusing on each match and accumulating enough points to move forward.
Speaking candidly post-match, Mourinho acknowledged Newcastle’s superiority on the day, praising Anthony Gordon’s performance and the attacking strength of the Magpies. He admitted Benfica struggled to maintain compactness and composure, conceding that Newcastle’s speed and power proved overwhelming.
Benfica currently sits at the bottom of their group, yet Mourinho’s experience and leadership give hope as the team aims to rebound. The Portuguese tactician highlighted the competitiveness of the Champions League and the necessity of resilience in pursuit of success.
This statement by Mourinho sheds light on the challenges Benfica face but also underscores the strategic mindset needed to navigate the group stages successfully.
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