How other Newcastle strikers have stepped up in the Champions League

Howe certainly wasn’t getting carried away.

But the Newcastle manager will be hugely encouraged by the contribution of his strikers.

Newcastle have relied on record signing Nick Woltemade, who has scored his side’s first goal against Wolves, Arsenal, St Guilloise Union and Brighton in recent weeks, and whose link-up play was eye-catching again on Tuesday night.

But when the game was on the brink, and St James’ Park was tense, Newcastle needed someone else to step up and ease the goal-scoring burden.

Gordon did so when he shot with his foot at the back post after Jacob Murphy’s cross in the 32nd minute.

Murphy was called up in place of summer signing Anthony Elanga – and this was a reminder why.

His sensational passes set up several goals for former striker Alexander Isak last season, and Gordon made the most of such an assist against Benfica.

Gordon, in the process, became the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League matches, while only Alan Shearer has more goals in the competition for the club.

“It means everything, but I need to get more,” Gordon told TNT Sport. “My ambition does not stop there.”

This was a crucial contribution, as Benfica coach Mourinho did not need reminding.

His striker, Dodi Lukebakio, had hit the post earlier and forced Nick Pope to make a good save when the match ended in a goalless draw.

“St James’s Stadium was quiet,” Mourinho said. “The fans felt that the game was not easy. They felt that Benfica were much closer than Newcastle to scoring.

“They brought their enthusiasm on set-pieces, which is normal. When you have a team of giants, you know that every set-piece, throw-in, sideline free-kick and corner is a dramatic moment for the opponent – and this was the only moment they brought that enthusiasm and that pressure on the opponent.

“We felt very comfortable in the first half.”