Diehard Newcastle United supporters would have been intrigued when the club confirmed a pre-season trip to Benfica on July 26. An opportunity to follow the Magpies abroad used to be a regular occurrence before the Mike Ashley era, with photographs of a jam-packed San Siro away end evoking nostalgia whenever they do the rounds on social media.
The cancellation of the Ohio Cup has forced Newcastle to rethink their schedule and contests against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao will provide stern tests ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Those who follow United on the road religiously will be considering a plane to Portugal next month - with yesteryear's heartbreak distinct in their minds.
Astonishingly, the two Europa League clashes in April 2013 are the only times Newcastle and Benfica have gone head-to-head in a competitive fixture. Despite taking a 12th-minute lead at the Estadio da Luz through Papiss Cisse, the Magpies were brushed aside 3-1 and could only manage a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park to crash out of the competition.
