Newcastle United continued their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Portuguese side Benfica. Four of the five goals this evening arrived in the first half, with Newcastle twice pegging back their hosts courtesy of Miguel Almiron – who was initially set to start on the bench.
First, the Paraguay international cancelled out Goncalo Ramos’ 15 th minute opener, before continuing his excellent pre-season with a goal on the stroke of half time after Alex Grimaldo’s free kick. The Magpies named a completely different XI for the second half which included last season’s star Joelinton, who saw red eight minutes from time.
And that proved costly for Eddie Howe’s side as the home side netted a winner just one minute before the end to win the Eusebio Cup. Here is how Newcastle supporters reacted at the full-time whistle.
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@awfultiredboss: “Good first half against a decent team. Chris Wood isn’t good enough as a back up sadly. We need another two players.”
@rdwwhiteley4: “Encouraging result, second half we were much better team until the red.”
@Romanez: “Decent first half. Lascelles can’t start ahead of Schar/Burn. Silly from Joel and we know there’s no threat up top without Wilson… another striker needed.”
@_SeanNUFC: “Ref won the Eusebio Cup more like. Didn’t give us anything all game.”
@stephenmcdine: “In summary, Joelinton cost us needs to keep his temper under control. We must get a forward, and unfortunately I still don’t see Longstaff being a regular starter.”
@MaxwellA98: “We look so much better. The tenacity is impeccable. Aggressive (bit too much…)”
@JadenBe27608219: “Great game we played class against a Champions League side.”
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