A night to remember on Tyneside as Gordon and Barnes run riot

ANTHONY Gordon is lighting up European football at the moment - and Jose Mourinho needed no reminder at the final whistle.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

Anthony Gordon bags the opening goal at St James'

After the World Cup-bound England star’s sparkling display against Benfica, the Special One ran straight to Gordon to congratulate and tell him he had been brilliant.

It was a wonderful moment for the Scouser but on a night in which Mourinho had set his team up to rattle Newcastle somewhat, Gordon calmly sliced through it to lead Newcastle to three massive points - and inject £1.8m into the coffers.

The Magpies made a positive start against Benfica, enjoying 70% possession with Dan Burn’s header kept out by Anatoliy Trubin before Jacob Murphy's effort was struck straight into the arms of the Ukraine international.

But Benfica threatened on 15 minutes when Dodi Lukebakio got beyond Burn, although his shot was blocked on the line by Nick Pope at the Gallowgate End.