Newcastle United missed out on the Eusebio Cup in Portugal on Tuesday evening after Henrique Araujo's 89th-minute goal saw the hosts lift the pre-season trophy. Eddie Howe used almost his entire squad for the encounter, making 11 changes at half-time after a ferocious opening 45 minutes.
Miguel Almiron found the net twice in the first-half as Newcastle pegged Benfica back twice before the interval. But the second period was a quieter affair before Joelinton picked up a red card after two yellow cards. Araujo made the Magpies pay with a late goal to secure the trophy for the Portuguese side.
Here are five things we learned from the game at the Estadio da Luz.
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Magic Miggy
Miguel Almiron stole the show with two first-half goals as he sent a clear message to Newcastle United's hierarchy that they may not need a right winger this summer after all.
The Paraguayan was at his very best in the opening 45 minutes as he linked up with Kieran Trippier for both goals. It was a shame to see the right winger brought off at half-time as he put on a show under the Lisbon lights.
Dancing beyond defenders and looking composed in front of goal, is Almiron the next player to have his Newcastle United career saved by Eddie Howe? Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Emil Krafth may be welcoming a new member to their exclusive club this season.
Nick Pope decision justified
Newcastle United supporters felt a new goalkeeper wasn't a top priority this summer but were pleasantly surprised when Nick Pope arrived from Burnley in June.
It remains unknown as to whether the former Burnley stopper will be the team's No 1 this season as he battles with Martin Dubravka for the jersey. However, this evening showed Newcastle were right to bring the goalkeeper in early this summer.
Dubravka missed the Eusebio Cup clash with a 'minor' injury as he faces another short spell on the sidelines. The Slovakian 'keeper has struggled to stay fit at times during his Magpies career and there is no guarantee he will avoid picking up more knocks throughout this campaign.
As such, Pope's addition is looking more shrewd by the day...
Elliot Anderson hint
Just hours after reports suggested Newcastle were ready to keep Elliot Anderson beyond the summer, Eddie Howe gave him the chance to shine in Lisbon from the outset. The 19-year-old started in midfield and played the opening 45 minutes before the Magpies boss made 11 changes during the interval.
Anderson admittedly had a quieter game compared to his recent outings but certainly didn't look out of place against the European opposition. Howe clearly rates the youngster and it is looking increasingly likely he will be given the chance to prove his worth at St. James' Park.
As Newcastle struggle in the transfer market, the former Bristol Rovers loanee could prove to be a much-needed gem in the squad - at least until January.
A taste of the future?
Yes, it was only the Eusebio Cup in a meaningless pre-season friendly but Newcastle's players would have fancied lifting a trophy aloft in Lisbon last night. The away end inside the Estadio da Luz was rammed with hopeful Newcastle United supporters, most of them who have never seen the club lift any trophy - no matter how meaningless.
Still, how amazing to see Newcastle playing under the lights against a European giant. A taste of how things may well be in the near future?
Howe spots a talent
Jay Turner-Cooke, Santiago Munoz and Alex Murphy all traveled to Portugal with the Newcastle United first-team this week but it was Matt Bondswell who was given a chance to show his talents in Lisbon on Tuesday.
The left-back was introduced at half-time and did not look out of place as he kept Benfica attacker Rafa quiet throughout the second period. Bondswell's calmness on the ball and raw pace when forced onto the back foot saw him earn plaudits on social media.
One to watch this season?
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