What Benfica boss Roger Schmidt said about Newcastle United after Eusebio Cup win

Benfica boss Roger Schmidt described Newcastle United as a “very good and very physical opponent” after the two clubs met in the Eusebio Cup on Tuesday.

For most parts, the encounter at the 65,000-capacity Estadio da Luz did not feel like a pre-season friendly with both teams displaying full commitment.

In the first half, the two sides could not be separated as Miguel Almiron twice cancelled out Goncalo Ramos and Alex Grimaldo’s goals.

Eddie Howe changed his entire line-up at the break and while chances in front of goal were at a premium, full-blooded challenges were not.

Indeed, Joelinton was the epitome of that with the Brazilian shown a red card with 12 minutes remaining - perhaps a harsh decision from referee Nuno Almeida.

Howe’s side couldn’t hold out with 10 men with Henrique Araujo netting an 89th-minute winner to lift the Eusebio Cup.

What Roger Schmidt said aboiut Newcastle United

“It was a very difficult match against a very good and very physical opponent,” Schmidt told the Portuguese media. “It was a perfect last test for the season and for the important matches to come.

“I think we have seen good things but we also have things to improve and we will talk about that. At this stage of the pre-season we can’t be perfect, but I’m happy.

“I saw many good things, namely in the first half when we had good moments in the offensive transition, in the attack, in the pressure, and in the ability to recover the ball. We created several opportunities.

“Still, the opponent had some space near our box and ended up scoring two goals.

“In my opinion, analysing the whole pre-season, the players were very good, they worked hard and even today that happened.

“Now we have a week to rest, train and prepare for the next matches.”

Newcastle host Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao in back-to-back friendlies at St James’ Park this weekend while Benfica prepare for their Champions League qualifier against Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.