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Neste domingo (13), às 11h, o Galo enfrenta o Bahia no Mineirão. Após o anúncio da equipe de arbitragem para a partida pela CBF, o presidente Sérgio Coelho protestou contra o nome de Sávio Pereira Sampaio.

+Atlético-MG x Bahia: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações do jogo pelo Brasileirão

– Há 15 dias, fomos à CBF reclamar à comissão de arbitragem desse árbitro. Agora, eles escalam o irmão dele. Nos sentimos afrontados e lamentamos muito. O que posso esperar é que ele faça arbitragem isenta e imparcial – disse em áudio pela Rádio Itatiaia.

Sávio é irmão de Wilton Pereira Sampaio. No clássico contra o Coelho, também pelo Brasileirão, Wilton registrou ofensas de Hulk, Felipão e Rodrigo Caetano na súmula da partida. Depois desse episódio, o clima entre o clube e o árbitro não ficou nada agradável.

+Felipão cai na Libertadores antes das quartas pelas primeira vez na história

– De lá para cá, ele tem feito arbitragens péssimas e sempre o Galo sendo prejudicado. Agora, indicam o irmão dele para apitar o jogo. Considerando que semana o senhor Wilton estava depondo no STJD contra Felipão, contra o Rodrigo Caetano e contra o próprio Galo. – disse ainda Sérgio Coelho.

+ Próximos jogos do Atlético-MG: onde assistir e calendário com datas e horários das partidas

Abishek Porel, one of four players retained by DC after IPL 2024, hasn’t set the stage on fire, but has been able to do what the team has asked of him

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-20251:03

Who will finish in the top four?

Abishek Porel is currently the second-highest run-getter for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025 behind KL Rahul. He hasn’t reached there – 225 runs in eight innings – with big, crushing-the-opposition knocks, but regular, crucial contributions at the top of the order. And those have been coming because “I know my game and the support staff knows my game,” Porel says. The team knows what it can get from Porel and he knows what he can give the team.The season started with a two-ball duck for Porel, one of four players – Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Tristan Stubbs the others – retained by DC ahead of the last auction. Porel said he was “feeling the pressure”, but the big men in the backroom, coach Hemang Badani, mentor Kevin Pietersen, captain Axar and others made him pick himself up, and “I am getting the results”.”I am enjoying myself, enjoying every innings I play,” Porel said at a press conference after DC beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on Tuesday night for their sixth win in eight games this season. “I am trying to find ways to get better each time I bat. I talk a lot with Hemang sir and KP at training, trying to figure out what I can work on to do better. What I do in training, I bring to the matches.Related

Kevin Pietersen is helping make Delhi Capitals' players better cricketers and loving it

Pujara gives Rahul credit for smooth LSG-DC transition

Pant goes the other way – what's the rationale?

Mukesh four-for sets up comfortable win as DC close the gap up top

“Pitches keep changing, but I know my game and the support staff knows my game, what I can do and can’t do. They always ask me to be free, bat with freedom, not worry about other things. They say they are with me at all times. I had a couple of bad outings, scored a zero in the first game, and was feeling the pressure, so they all backed me: ‘We are with you, don’t worry.’ KP backed me, Hemang sir backed me, the captain backed me, KL [Rahul] always backs me, he reminded me, ‘You did well against LSG [Rahul’s former team] last year].’ It motivates me.”Kuldeep keeps telling me, ‘You are a very good batsman, you have great timing.’ This is very important for a player. Even if you don’t back yourself, these people are always backing me. This motivates me to play with freedom and play to my strengths, and I am getting the results.”There has been just one other failure for Porel this season: a run-a-ball 7 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Apart from that, he has scored 34* in 18 balls vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), 33 in 20 vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), 33 in 25 vs Mumbai Indians (MI), 49 in 37 vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) and 18 in nine balls vs Gujarat Titans (GT), before scoring 51 in 36 balls to give DC exactly the start they needed against LSG. The last four games have been as opener, as DC have tried to find a fix in the absence of the injured Faf du Plessis and the out-of-touch Jake Fraser-McGurk, with Karun Nair going out with Porel at the top.Porel has gone at a strike rate of 146.10 this season. Not earth-shattering, but DC have got what they want from him after he had given them 327 runs in 14 matches last season, scoring at a strike rate of 159.51.And though higher honours might be some way away, Porel has reason to dream, short term as well as long term. “The plan for the future is obviously to play for India, play for the national team for many years,” he said. “But right now, what matters more to me is the IPL trophy; how we can do better, how I can contribute to making DC IPL champions.”

With the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Portugal still open, among others, Arsenal still have a chance to sell players.

Mikel Arteta watched on as Marquinhos, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Takehiro Tomiyasu departed the club permanently, but most of the aforementioned were for free.

Andrea Berta, meanwhile, agreed loan deals for Oleksandr Zinchenko, Karl Hein, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Jakub Kiwior, with the latter’s exit freeing up space for Arsenal to pull a “masterstroke” by signing Piero Hincapie.

Arsenal’s struggle to sell players for significant fees was well-documented across the summer, with Berta making the club just £9 million from transfer fees, even if certain loan deals like Kiwior’s include an obligation to buy in 2026.

It is a problem that needs to be addressed, as Arsenal’s record sales remain: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool, Folarin Balogun to Monaco and Cesc Fàbregas to Barcelona — who all left for under £40 million.

Winger Leandro Trossard is still out of contract in 2027, so he could be one that Arsenal listen to offers for outside the UK window.

According to a new report from Turkey, Besiktas are handing Arsenal the chance to make some money off his exit before the forward’s deal expires in under 24 months.

Arsenal in talks to sell Leandro Trossard with Bestikas bid made

As per news outlet Sozcu, Sergen Yalçın’s side have made a bid for Trossard, with Berta preparing a response to the offer as both clubs negotiate a potential £19 million transfer.

Arsenal are apparently looking to cash-in on Trossard, despite just agreeing to give him a pay rise, and if Berta does agree to sell the Belgian, then it could perhaps free up space for the Gunners to move for Rodrygo in January.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Rodrygo in the summer, but a move was reportedly dependent on one of Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving, which didn’t happen.

Losing Trossard, a versatile attacking option proven in the top flight, without a January replacement would undoubtedly weaken Arteta’s chances in the title race, even after a summer of serious spending on star new attackers in Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank hailed Joao Palhinha’s role as emergency centre-half and opening goalscorer in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster.

Palhinha’s improvised strike, a Jay McGrath own goal and Brennan Johnson’s stoppage-time breakaway comfortably disposed of League One Rovers.

Frank hails Tottenham star Palhinha

On-loan Portuguese midfielder Palhinha, who picks £7m per year, wants to seal a permanent move to north London in 2026. He stepped into an injury-hit back-line while Archie Gray, often forced to play auxiliary centre-back under previous boss Ange Postecoglou, took his preferred midfield role.

“Archie can play centre-back and right-back but I see him as a midfielder and I like to see him there.”

Spurs would have scored more but for two remarkable air shots from Mathys Tel from only six yards out. Tel has yet to find the net since making a permanent switch to north London this summer but Frank said: “I don’t think he’s having a bad run.

“I think it was a step up in terms of performance. He got into good situations.”

"Goes under the radar" – Tottenham told "important" Frank star deserves far more credit

He goes largely unnoticed.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 24, 2025

Spurs went ahead in the 14th minute after Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor missed his punch at a corner.

Sean Grehan headed the loose ball off the line but only as far as Palhinha, who hooked an overhead kick back over the defender and into an empty net.

Spurs doubled their lead three minutes later when Wilson Odobert raided down the left and sent in another low cross. Doncaster defender McGrath was unable to sort his feet out in time and succeeded only in bundling the ball into his own net.

Rovers almost pulled one back before the break when Owen Bailey’s Paolo Di Canio-style volley was tipped onto a post by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

That was the only moment of mild peril Spurs faced, however, and Frank was able to shuffle his pack by sending on Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison for the final 30 minutes as well as handing a late debut to 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett.

Johnson wrapped things up in stoppage time after being sent racing through on goal by Bergvall.

Rovers boss Grant McCann said: “I was disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“I don’t think we made it hard for them to score against us but in between that, especially in the second half, it was an excellent performance.”

After storming the Championship with 100 points last term, Leeds United were always going to need a busy summer window to prepare for their Premier League return.

Under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises, the club pushed to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad, with signings in multiple positions.

Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Sebastian Bornauw and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all arrived.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition was Swiss forward Noah Okafor, who joined from AC Milan for £18m, bringing Champions League experience to Elland Road.

Departures also shaped the window. Rasmus Kristensen, Maximilian Wöber, Junior Firpo and Largie Ramazani all moved on.

Fans were especially vocal about Ramazani, whose loan to Valencia was seen by some as a risk given his ability on the wing.

The early weeks of the season have been a rollercoaster.

Leeds edged Everton 1-0 at home on the opening day but then suffered a 5-0 hammering at Arsenal.

A hard-fought goalless draw with Newcastle steadied the ship before a cruel stoppage-time own goal from Gudmundsson condemned them to defeat at Fulham.

Amid the mixed results, one problem has stood out above all others. To put it plainly, Leeds are short of goals, they need a talent like Ramazani in their ranks.

Why losing Ramazani has been a blow

Ramazani’s loan departure was framed as a blow to Leeds’ wide options.

The 24-year-old Belgian, valued at £6m via Transfermarkt, joined from Almería and played 29 Championship games last season, registering six goals and two assists.

His pace and direct running gave Leeds an outlet in transition, and his ability to stretch defences created space for others.

Now on loan at Valencia, Ramazani has continued to show flashes of his potential.

For Leeds supporters, seeing him leave after only one season felt premature, particularly given his adaptation to English football appeared to be underway.

However, while losing the wide forward has reduced Leeds’ width, it has not addressed their bigger problem: a lack of reliable goalscorers.

Ramazani’s output, even in the Championship, was respectable but not prolific.

His nine goal involvements across 30 matches last term underlined his inconsistency in decisive moments.

As results so far this season have shown, what Leeds arguably miss more than an extra winger is a forward with an eye for goal.

Leeds real loss came two years ago

If Ramazani left a hole out wide, the departure of Max Dean may yet prove far more costly through the middle.

The 21-year-old centre-forward, who can also operate off the wings, came through Everton’s youth system before joining Leeds’ academy.

He quickly made his mark, scoring 20 goals and adding five assists in 43 appearances whilst on loan at MK Dons.

Dons head coach Mike Williamson hailed him after a brace against Morecambe in December 2023, describing him as “an infectious character.”

It was that blend of energy and end product that led Belgian side Gent to sign him, where he has since scored 13 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

His trajectory shows a player who has adapted quickly at every step along his footballing journey.

Statistically, Dean is not as active on the ball as Ramazani, but he is far more efficient in front of goal.

Matches Played

17

Goals

6

Assists

1

Progressive Carries

15

Progressive Passes

33

Last season, Dean registered seven goal involvements in 17 games compared to Ramazani’s nine in 30.

His 48.5% shot accuracy also edges the Belgian’s 45%, while his 1.48 shots on target per 90 highlight his ability to test goalkeepers regularly.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Though Ramazani surpasses him in terms of progressive carries and creative actions, Dean’s finishing instincts arguably address Leeds’ more pressing needs.

Dean’s England U20 debut in 2024 only added weight to the argument that Leeds might have given up on him too soon.

At 21, he still has time to develop into a top-level forward, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time is a trait Leeds could use as they adjust to the Premier League.

For all the discussion around Ramazani, Dean represents the type of player Leeds currently lack: a forward who can turn half-chances into goals.

In a side that has so far relied on penalties and moments of fortune, that cutting edge might have made the difference between mid-table comfort and early-season frustration.

It's not Darlow: Leeds star is in danger of becoming their new Meslier

This Leeds United star is in danger of becoming the next Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Sep 16, 2025

Premier League champions Liverpool have been dealt a blow after centre-back Ibrahima Konate was sent home from the France camp during the international break. Konate was called up by Les Bleus despite being forced off in the 56th minute of the Reds' 2-1 loss at Chelsea last weekend. The Liverpool star made the bench against Azerbaijan but won't travel to Iceland next week.

Getty Images SportKonate forced off against Chelsea

Liverpool were already worrying about Konate after he walked straight down the tunnel early in the second half of the 2-1 loss at Chelsea last weekend. With Geovanni Leoni a long-term absentee, Arne Slot opted to replace the Frenchman with Curtis Jones rather than Joe Gomez, which saw midfielder Ryan Gravenberch drop in alongside compatriot Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

Even so, Konate linked with the France squad at the start of the week to be assessed by the national team doctors. However, having missed the 3-0 win over Azerbaijan on Friday night, the centre-back has been released back to his club earlier than expected.

"Ibrahima Konate will not take part in France’s match against Iceland on Monday," a statement read on Liverpool's official website on Saturday.

"The Liverpool centre-back missed ’ win over Azerbaijan on Friday and it has now been announced that he is not available for their next match in Reykjavik."

Meanwhile, the official France website released the following on Konate's return to Merseyside: "Injured in the right quadriceps during his last match with Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate has followed a treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday but will not be able to take his place against Iceland."

Advertisement'I don't know if it is a big injury'

After appearing to limp while clutching at his thigh, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot made the decision to withdraw Konate as a precaution early in the second half at Chelsea last weekend. The Dutchman is hopeful that they caught the problem early and that it's nothing serious.

"I don't know if it is a big injury, but what I do know is he limped a little bit and when I asked him he said he felt his quad a little bit. Then, for me, all alarm bells go off because in another sprint you never know if that is going to go good," Slot said of the decision to sub the centre-back off at Stamford Bridge.

"It was also already a substitution I had in mind, maybe for a few minutes or a little bit later, because the right centre-back had a lot of ball possession and we needed to create from that position. We all know Ryan [Gravenberch] is quite good in that.

"It might be OK that he went off early enough but it was clear I had to take him off because he was limping."

AFPKonate absence another blow for France

William Saliba started alongside Dayot Upamecano against Azerbaijan on Friday night and while the duo contained their attacking threat with ease, Konate's absence left Les Bleus at risk of being short of defensive quality for Monday's game against Iceland. As such, Marseille defender Benjamin Pavard has been called up as his replacement.

However, France's comfortable home win against Azerbaijan came at a cost as captain Kylian Mbappe was forced off late on owing to an ankle injury. Mbappe was already carrying an ankle knock from Real Madrid's victory over Villarreal prior to the international break and walked off the Parc des Princes pitch gingerly, prompting concerns he'd miss the game against Iceland.

"It's the same ankle he injured. The pain goes away when he rests," Deschamps initially said of the injury. "In a match, contact is inevitable. We will evaluate it. He has concerns that are not ideal for him."

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Man Utd welcome up next for Liverpool

Konate may have returned to Liverpool from international duty early but it remains to be seen when he'll next be available for Slot. Liverpool welcome rivals Manchester United in their first game back after the international break.

The Reds take on Ruben Amorim's side as they look to bounce back following three successive defeats having lost at Crystal Palace and Galatasaray prior to last weekend's loss at Chelsea.

The 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, has started all seven league games to date for the defending champions. Liverpool resume domestic duties one point behind league leaders Arsenal, while Gunners get their title push back underway with a trip to Fulham next weekend.

An all-round bowling show from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) saw them restrict Punjab Kings (PBKS) to only 157 for 6 in Mullanpur. Less than 48 hours after these two teams played a game in Bengaluru, they were back at it up north.RCB won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling first on what Rajat Patidar thought was a decent surface. PBKS were off to a flying start in the powerplay with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh going big. After a two-run opening over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the duo smashed seven fours and a six in the next three overs.However, the change of pace brought RCB back. Krunal Pandya first induced a top-edge off Arya’s blade with Tim David taking a simple catch at mid-on. Prabhsimran went six and four against Josh Hazlewood in the sixth over to end the powerplay on a high. But it was all RCB thereon.Prabhsimran failed to clear long-on first ball after the powerplay and was caught by David at long-on. Shreyas Iyer, who had three fifty-plus and four sub-ten scores in seven innings in IPL 2025, suffered another failure. He was dismissed by Romario Shepherd, with Krunal taking a stunning catch haring to his left from long-on.Nehal Wadhera was needlessly run out, while Suyash Sharma then picked two wickets in an over as PBKS slipped to 114 for 6 in the 14th over. PBKS only managed 67 runs in the middle overs and lost five wickets.Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen tried their best to go big in the death, but Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood did not give them an inch. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, RCB landed eight yorkers in the last four overs. Jansen and Shashank were not dismissed but could only manage 28 runs in the last four overs. Jansen smashed a six to end the innings, but RCB will be the happier side going into the break.

Gennaro Gattuso addressed his decision of not selecting young midfielder Samuele Ricci in Italy's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers, citing his lack of regular playing time at AC Milan as the reason. The Italy head coach, however, urged the 24-year-old to "watch" and learn from the iconic ex-Real Madrid midfielder, who has made an immediate impact since arriving at the San Siro.

• Ricci begins new chapter after signing for Milan

  Ricci made his debut for Italy in 2022, at the age of 20-year-old, while he was still a Torino player. After spending three and a half seasons at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, he was snapped up by Serie A giants Milan for a fee of around €25m (£22m/$29m). While he has started both matches in the Coppa Italia, he has made three substitute appearances in the Italian top-flight – totalling 61 minutes – and remained an unused substitute in the other three games. His lack of playing time led to his exclusion from the Italy squad for the October international break.

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• Getty Images
  

  Gattuso wants Ricci to learn from Modric

  Speaking to reporters this week, Gattuso said: "It's a shame, but nothing is lost. Quite the contrary. Playing time is important; getting minutes under your belt is important. I feel sorry for him because he has a giant like Modric ahead of him, but training with him can do him good. Watching him. He's paying the price for his talent right now; he's not getting much playing time, but nothing is lost for him either. I hope he manages to find his place."

• Modric magic makes Milan tick

  Modric has hit the ground running in the 2025-26 season, with the 40-year-old midfield maestro playing a pivotal role in ensuring Massimiliano Allegri's side made an impressive start to the campaign. He has started all six Serie A games and saw out the full 90 minutes on four of those occasions. 

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  Can Milan continue their purple patch?

  The Rossoneri have a tough run of fixtures over the next few weeks, which will put their credentials as title contenders to the test. After facing Fiorentina on October 19, they will take on Pisa, Atalanta, and Roma in the next three weeks.

It is a testament to Everton’s growth under David Moyes that their recent 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Premier League was met with frustration.

This is because Everton were expected to win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and that belief was strengthened when Michael Keane powered home a first-half header to open the scoring.

But the Toffees ended up labouring to a draw against Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers, with the point gained lifting them into ninth place in the standings.

Expectations have indeed been raised, with newbie Jack Grealish leading the charge.

Jack Grealish at Everton

Grealish will be disappointed with his performance against West Ham. Everton’s positive play flowed through the 30-year-old playmaker, who wasn’t at his best but still looked a constant threat, with Sofascore recording that he created four chances and won seven duels.

With four assists to his name in August, Grealish was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award, and though he and Everton have not since claimed three points, drawing twice and losing a close game at Anfield, his level of performance remains impressive.

Grealish, perhaps excitingly, hasn’t reached his optimum level yet. There is more to come. However, as Everton grow and improve under Moyes’ wing, so too does the spotlight increase on certain stars.

And there are a few who might be holding Grealish back.

Moyes must drop £55m duo

Grealish has yet to score in an Everton shirt, but that’s not the end of the world. The Three Lions star has never been the most prolific of attacking midfielders, and he adds much to the build-up patterns and creative flow. That is his bread and butter.

The problem, though, is that Grealish is supported by a full-back in Vitalii Mykolenko, who leaves much to be desired from an attacking standpoint, and is surmounted by Beto at number nine, who has endured a tough, luckless start to the season.

Mykolenko was chased by Napoli this summer, who were willing to pay around £26m for his services. Everton turned it down, but may come to regret that decision if his fitness and form do not improve.

Undoubtedly, Beto has improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but the Bissau Guinean striker enjoyed a bright purple patch shortly after the Scotsman’s arrival, bagging five in four, and has since plateaued, with only one strike to his name this term and a litany of missed opportunities.

Games

42

23

Starts

10

20

Goals

4

8

Assists

0

0

Everton writer Ell Bretland even remarked that “Beto’s lack of hold-up play and Mylolenko not getting forward” has been stifling the esteemed loanee, who is not being supported effectively from behind and who is struggling to get a tune out of Everton’s misfiring centre-forward, who was signed from Udinese for up to £30m in 2023.

This may require a left-field solution. Iliman Ndiaye, for example, has played up front during his career before, and no Everton player has scored more than his 13 goals since joining the club from Marseille in 2024.

It would change the dynamic of Everton’s team, but with Tyler Dibling looking to nail down a starting berth of his own, this may be an outlook that would bear dividends for Moyes down the line.

James Garner provided a sumptuous assist for Keane at the weekend, too, and has played three times as a stand-in left-back in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.2 chances per game.

There is much for Moyes to ponder, but if Mykolenko and Beto fail to find form, they must be dropped to raise the level of the collective, and that not only includes Grealish but is shaped and charged by him.

Bowen 2.0: Everton must regret selling "one of the best players in the PL"

Everton must now rue selling this gifted star before he hit his full potential.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

Jose Mourinho has admitted that "killer" Newcastle were too strong for Benfica, who could not "compete with their horsepower" during their Champions League mauling on Tuesday evening at St. James' Park. The ‘Special One’ believes Eddie Howe’s men belong to a different league after a 3-0 defeat that left the visitors reeling and without a single point after three matches in Europe.

• Gordon, Barnes, and Murphy led the charge

  Benfica showed flashes of promise in the first half, notably when winger Dodi Lukebakio struck the post, but Mourinho conceded that Newcastle’s pace and physicality simply outgunned his team. The Magpies’ front line was ferocious. Anthony Gordon grabbed the opener, Harvey Barnes came off the bench to score twice, and Jacob Murphy ran riot down the flank, setting up Gordon’s first-half strike with a teasing delivery that split open Benfica’s defence. It was a showcase of pressing, power, and precision.

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  Mourinho lauds Newcastle's wingers

  In his post-match debrief, Mourinho was composed yet candid. He praised his players’ first-half effort but lamented their loss of structure after conceding.

  "This tells me about the level of Newcastle," Mourinho began. "While the score was open, and I think it was even unfairly open, because in the first half the team played well on the pitch, the players felt comfortable in a stadium with a palpable atmosphere.

  "The danger they posed for us was obviously from set pieces and everything indirect in the box, because it's difficult to compete with a team with this physicality, but we had great chances to score, three or four. Before they scored, we had a beautiful shot from Lukebakio that hit the post, so I reiterate that the first-half result doesn't reflect the game at all."

  The 62-year-old drew attention to the physical contrast between the teams and added: "In the second half, we conceded a goal we couldn't afford, a set piece in our favour, where our initial positioning for the transition was correct, but then we made mistakes in our defensive movement. And when we concede that goal, the differences in characteristics between the teams come to the fore.

  "There's a team with a higher horsepower engine than the other, a team with much more intensity, a team with much more speed. As I said yesterday [the day before yesterday], I think in the press conference—if not in the press conference, it was on TV—they have four lightning-fast wingers. They don't have one or two, they have four. And when you change two who come on in the 50th or 60th minute, when you change one and then later change another, we, losing the compact play we had in the first half, were exposed."

  However, Mourinho feels things could have panned out differently if they had taken the lead when Benfica were on top in the first half. 

  "We score a goal before them, we reach half-time leading, we reach half-time tied, we can continue with the same type of organisation," he said. "Then, the second goal, psychologically, kills us. The players felt the second goal deeply, and then the game took a different turn, which was tough for us."

• Gordon’s record-breaking night

  Gordon continues to grow into one of the Premier League’s most complete wingers. His goal against Benfica made him the first Newcastle player in history to score in three consecutive Champions League games. 

  "It means everything, but we need more, my ambition doesn't stop there," he said. "Because we had so many chances, we had to put one away to calm the nerves. I was glad to see it go in. Playing with [Jacob] Murphy, I knew he was going to play that ball every time. That goal is all about him. We all love [Nick] Pope. He is one of the most popular people in the dressing room he is a top guy and a top keeper. He has kept us in so many game already this season and some of the saves he made were incredible."

  Eddie Howe, visibly delighted on the touchline, hailed the performance of his forwards, and especially Gordon's. 

  "Anthony [Gordon] was outstanding. He looked a real threat all game," the Newcastle boss said. "He was dynamic, aggressive and positive. Jacob [Murphy’s] always been an assist threat and he was absolutely that. Some of the deliveries he put in were very good. I’m pleased for Harvey[Barnes] to come on and get the two that he did on the right side which shows his versatility. It’ll do those three players a world of good."

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  A tale of two tables: Champions League joy, domestic frustration

  While Newcastle’s European adventure gathers pace, now seventh in the Champions League league phase, their Premier League campaign tells a more sobering story. The Magpies sit 14th domestically, the lowest position they’ve held under Howe after eight rounds of fixtures. Their next test comes at home against Fulham on Saturday, and Howe's troops will be desperate to get the three points. Meanwhile, Mourinho's Benfica will look to bounce back in a Liga Portugal clash with Arouca on the same day.