Benfica 3 Newcastle 1: We did so much right, says Alan Pardew
Benfica 3 Newcastle 1: Alan Pardew was heartbroken to see his side's hard work undone as they were pegged back in Portugal
Alan Pardew was heartbroken to see Newcastle’s hard work undone as they were pegged back and beaten by Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Papiss Cisse gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute at the Estádio da Luz, before the Magpies striker stuck the woodwork shortly after as they made a bright start.
Moreno Rodrigo equalised for the home side in the 25th minute before Cisse hit the post again.
But Lima then gave the hosts the lead and Oscar Cardozo’s penalty left the Magpies with an uphill struggle ahead of next week’s return leg at St James’ Park.
“I thought we did so much right to get into a great position,” said Pardew. “We had taken the sting out of them, then we gifted them a goal.
“I thought Steven Taylor was desperately unlucky for the penalty [he conceded]; it just was not to be. I cannot fault the players, it was a great effort. We came here to have a go at them.
“Apart from 10 minutes at the end of the first half, I thought we were in control. It is an uphill challenge for us now.
“The away goal could come into it if we get the first goal. They are a quality side, and we have to give them respect. We showed signs that if we are ambitious we can hurt a team.”
