SL Benfica achieved a UEFA Europa League comeback win over Newcastle United despite Papiss Cisse opening the scoring.
SL Benfica weathered an early Newcastle United storm to come back at the rather aptly named Stadium of Light and win the first leg of their UEFA Europa League tie.
The Magpies made a flying start, and Papiss Demba Cisse tapped home Moussa Sissoko’s low cross from close range after the Frenchman was set free down the right.
Despite the Portuguese side growing in confidence, Cisse almost doubled Newcastle’s lead when his shot from inside the box was deflected onto the post.
Benfica soon equalised though, and Rodrigo fired home a rebound from Oscar Cardozo’s shot to send the teams into the break level.
Cisse hit the woodwork for a second time just after half time. Sent clear by a Sylvain Marveaux through ball, the Senegal striker lobbed Benfica goalkeeper Artur Moraes impressively, but again hit the right hand post.
On another day, he could quite easily have had a hat-trick, and Newcastle United were to pay for it shortly afterwards.
Davide Santon was put under pressure at the left back position, and tried to pass back to goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Instead, substitute Lima stole in and rounded Krul to score, and it didn’t take long for the third Benfica goal to come after sustained pressure.
When Steven Taylor handled in the box, Cardozo was on hand to score the penalty at both times of asking, with a retake required because of encroachment into the area.
The match finished 3-1, but a 2-0 victory for Newcastle United at St James’ Park puts the Magpies through on away goals.
Watch video highlights of the match below.
SL Benfica 0-1 Newcastle United (Cisse)
SL Benfica 1-1 Newcastle United (Rodrigo)
SL Benfica 2-1 Newcastle United (Lima)
SL Benfica 3-1 Newcastle United (Cardozo)
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