Mourinho s pre-match warning comes true: St James Park is invincible

In the early morning of October 22, in a match in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Newcastle United defeated Benfica 3-0 at home at St. James Park. This big victory not only made the "Magpies" fans rejoice, but also confirmed Mourinho's judgment before the game - this stadium is really as difficult to conquer as a fortress.

When visiting St. James Park before the game, "Mr. Special" Mourinho once cautiously said: "The atmosphere here is different. The fans are not just coming to watch the game, they are fighting side by side with the team." He described the stadium as an "indestructible fortress" and emphasized that Newcastle's football culture is completely different from cities such as London and Manchester - it is full of passion, loyalty and fighting spirit.

Last night’s game was the best footnote to this evaluation.

The "terrifying" home power of St. James' Park

Facing the Champions League regulars Benfica, Newcastle showed strong pressure and tactical execution from the beginning. In the 32nd minute, Jacob Murphy made a pass from the right, and Anthony Gordon calmly pushed the ball in front of the goal, opening the scoring for the team. The winger not only scored a key goal, but also became the first player in Newcastle's history to score in three consecutive Champions League games, writing a new chapter for the club.

In the second half, Harvey Barnes took over the game. He first received an assist from Gordon and then scored a victory, and then sealed the victory with a header before the end. His performance of scoring twice completely defeated the visiting team's fighting spirit. In the end, Newcastle won 3-0 and took all three points.

Throughout the game, Benfica was almost completely suppressed, with a low ball possession rate, chaotic offensive organization, and frequent defensive loopholes. The Portuguese giants, once dominating the European arena, seemed helpless at St. James' Park.

This victory means much more than just three points. This is Newcastle's second consecutive Champions League win. The last time they did this was in February 2003. Now, under the background of new ownership and team reconstruction, the Magpies are gradually returning to the center of the European stage.

More importantly, they have a home court that can inspire miracles. Amid the roaring cheers of the fanatical fans, Newcastle showed a frightening fighting force. Benfica has become the latest powerful enemy to fall under the "fortress".

Mourinho's "St. James Nightmare"

For Mourinho, this stadium always seems to be against him. During his coaching career, he led the team to visit St. James Park 12 times and only achieved 3 wins. This time, Benfica led by him suffered a disastrous defeat, adding insult to injury.

Currently, Benfica has lost all three games in the Champions League group stage this season and has become the only team without a point. The qualifying situation is in danger. Not only was the team in a sluggish state, but its lack of fighting spirit and tactical response capabilities were also exposed during the game.

Compared with the previous humiliating defeat against Chelsea, this game did not see a significant improvement. Mourinho's on-the-spot management, tactical arrangements and psychological mobilization of players have once again been widely questioned.

This is the first time in five years that Mourinho has returned to the Champions League. The last time he coached a Champions League team was Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019/20 season. Since then, he has moved to Roma, Fenerbahce and other teams, but has repeatedly failed in the Champions League qualifying rounds and has never been able to return to the highest stage in Europe.

Now coaching Benfica, he originally hoped to use the new Champions League stage to prove that he is "still not outdated". However, the start of three consecutive losses was like a basin of cold water, awakening the illusion.

The road ahead is difficult. Can Mourinho turn the tide and lead Benfica out of the quagmire? At least on this night, he could only silently watch his opponent revel in his "prophecy".

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