In a moment destined for Champions League highlight reels, Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope delivered a stunning assist Tuesday night, launching a throw from his penalty area that set up Harvey Barnes for the second goal in a commanding 3–0 victory over Benfica.

The 70th-minute play unfolded with Pope spotting Barnes in open space and unleashing an overarm throw that soared past the halfway line. Benfica defender Antonio Silva misjudged the flight, allowing Barnes to race through and calmly slot the ball past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The goal sent St. James’ Park into raptures, with teammates mobbing Pope in celebration as if he had scored himself.

“I’m not sure I can take too much credit,” manager Eddie Howe said with a grin post-match. “We’ve been working on Nick’s distribution—throwing is a big strength—but I wouldn’t say that’s exactly what we practiced. Of course, it’s so important in the modern game.”

The audacious assist capped a dominant performance for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, and Barnes added a second to complete his brace, sealing the win against Jose Mourinho’s side. The result lifts Newcastle to third in Group H, while Benfica remains rooted to the bottom.

Pope’s pinpoint throw—equal parts vision and velocity—evoked memories of long-range assists in football folklore. Yet the England No. 1 remained modest: “Just saw the gap and went for it.”

Howe praised the quick thinking and fluid style that have come to define his tenure, as Newcastle eyes a deep run in Europe’s elite competition.