Newcastle United might have it all to do in the second leg of the last-eight clash with fashionable Benfica a' but it's greatly game ON at St Jamesa Park next Thursday evening. Yes, life difficult has been made by United for themselves in the 2nd leg, but inspite of the hype it is definately not Mission: Impossible. Alan Pardewas part turned up at the Stadium of Light wanting to pull the plug on the Portuguese giants. But on a night when cool heads were required, they made a late fall and made expensive persistent mistakes that handed Benfica the advantage. The free-scoring home area hardly need when it comes to locating the onion bag a helping hand, with an increase of than 100 targets cheered by their supporters this year. Nevertheless, they were given some gift-wrapped options by the Magpies yesterday evening. Benfica 3 Newcastle United 1 Correct, Newcastle conducted much, much a lot better than their surprise against Manchester City. But they found themselves low on fortune facing target on a night when Papiss Cisse would have had a hat-trick. The Africanas 11th attack of the season could be the difference next week, but we can only wonder how it may have unfolded had he not been rejected by the woodwork twice either side of half-time. United went in to the game on the back of a big-match build-up in the Portuguese media. It had started when big-selling tabloid the Record claimed that it was an instance of aMission: Impossiblea for the Magpies in Lisbon. Then it was elevated when Pardewas answer stated that Benfica might finish between eighth and 10th should they were a Premier League side. It was a statement that Benfica didnat like and it triggered front-page headlines in the Record, which claimed that United were aBurnt Steaka. That type of bullishness was also being offered from Benfica supporters also while they waved a banner reading aOn the road to Amsterdama a' well that message was still valid today. Now it is as much as United to prevent them in their tracks. Newcastle always knew that there would be instances when they had their backs against the wall but they achieved it wonderfully in the very first half. Only if theyad have now been able to keep it up. They had to cope with both a Benfica side that like to maraud forward and a group that sets referees under extreme pressure. Occasionally the whistling and jeering when United had the audacity to be in possession left Geordie ears ringing in Lisbon. Newcastle, nevertheless, managed every little thing that has been thrown at them in the first time. United had the first attempt at goal after only 80 seconds when Cisse burst down the proper, but his picture was gathered by Benfica owner Artur. Cisse had yet another chance two minutes later when Sylvain Marveaux dinked the ball into the field a' but a poor first feel let him down and the owner pounced on the danger. But, on 10 minutes Tim Krul had to be at his brilliant better to deny Nicolas Gaitan when he'd to parry away his long-range shot before smothering the ball at the next test. Newcastle, nevertheless, surprised the Stadium of Light audience on 12 minutes when Danny Simpson rolled the ball down the right to find Moussa Sissoko, before Cisse applied the end in the six-yard field to open the scoring. United got near doubling that advantage on 23 minutes when Sissoko broke forward before switching the play to Jonas on the left-hand side. The Argentinianas corner found Cisse whose attempt took a deflection popular the post before Artur recovered and pounced on the ball. It was the opportunity that United would repent. On their next attack Benficaas risk person Oscar Cardozoas shot was held out by Krul before Rodrigo pounced on the jump to level the game up with 24 minutes played. Krul was an active owner 3 minutes later when he kept out first Rodrigo and then Andre Gomes with a double save. The Dutchman then stopped Rodrigo and Matic in the room of a minute to help keep United on level terms. If Newcastle had made a bright start at the Stadium of Light it absolutely was truly the home part that completed the half the stronger of the teams. But United came out swinging at the start of the second half, and when Marveaux dinked the ball perfectly to Cisse the Senegal global appeared to have added his second a' only for the ball to bounce off the straight for a second time. As the night wore on Benfica appeared to be getting frustrated and this is summed up perfectly when Rodrigo entered from the right for Cardozo. But he didn't join at the back post and it was sighs of relief all round. Yet Cisseas earlier neglect might again show to be costly. Unfortunately this game had quarrels of Unitedas last visit to Lisbon each time a late capitulation sent them from the UEFA Cup against SportingA in 2005. Maybe it's the final 25 minutes of this first leg that ultimately requires Benfica through. Its way is found by first Davide Santonas woeful backpass didnat back to Krul and Lima cashed in after rounding the Dutchman and slotting house. United were at sixes and sevens by this time a and six minutes later yet another problem proved decisive. This time a from Steven Taylor managed with refereeas associate Ruddy Buquet informing referee Antony Gautier a punishment must granted. Twice fatal marksman Cardozo moved up and twice he won. The dilemma levels went up a step when Gautier discovered an encroachment indicating a retaken penalty was needed. Nevertheless, Cardozo was in no mood to miss as he included with his big tally for the Lisbon team. Having beaten Krul to his left, he stepped up at a slow speed again to despatch to the opposite side. A second from Newcastle might have passed them a decent scoreline to collect to Tyneside. But it was Benfica who may have put the game a' and the tie a' beyond doubt. When the dust settles though, Pardew may feel his side have what it requires to attain the semi- finals. They have no alternative but to throw your kitchen sink at next weekas second leg and with a complete house expected, it is Newcastleas change to blast the heat up at St Jamesa Park. Then it could be Unitedas change to ram the burnt steak back down Jorge Jesusa throat. Ryderas verdict: Newcastle will have to do it the hard way when they are to achieve the
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