After ending their pre-season tour of Austria with a 1-0 defeat against Mainz 05, Newcastle jetted back to the North East before quickly heading out to Portugal for another training camp.
Saturday saw The Magpies get the better of two Burnley XIs in a behind closed doors practice session which involved two sets of XIs playing against each other at the same time on different pitches.
But tonight is sure to provide arguably Newcastle’s toughest test of pre-season so far with Champions League quarter-finalists Benfica the hosts and the Eusebio Cup on the line.
Eddie Howe has made seven changes to the side that were beaten 1-0 against Mainz with Martin Dubravka, Paul Dummett and Ryan Fraser all missing out.
1. Nick Pope - 6
Called into action a few times early on but never looked uncomfortable until Benfica scored the opening goal from a corner kick. Should have been stronger to claim the cross into the box and will have been disappointed to be beaten by another set-piece shortly afterwards but did make a good save to deny Joao Mario.
2. Kieran Trippier - 8
Tested by Benfica’s overload down the right side but produced the goods at the other end with a clever low ball for Miguel Almiron to equalise. Was at it again to set the Paraguayan up to make it 2-2 at half-time. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
3. Jamaal Lascelles - 5
Jumped too late as Benfica took the lead from a corner kick. Photo: Ian MacNicol
4. Sven Botman - 7
Made a fine block to deny Rafa in the first half. Looks at home in black and white.