Tuesday night’s exhibition match between Benfica and Newcastle United at the Estadio da Luz ended in a 3-2 loss for Benfica.
Due to Joelinton’s dismissal, the Magpies played the last eight minutes with 10 men before conceding.
The Portuguese team won the Eusebio Cup thanks to a goal from Henrique Araujo.
On the quarter-hour mark, Goncalo Ramos’ header from a corner gave Newcastle the lead.
Seven minutes later, Eddie Howe’s team managed to tie the score.
After some excellent link-up play with Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron scored.
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After Bruno Guimaraes gave up a free kick on the outskirts of the Newcastle area, Benfica regained the lead.
Alex Grimaldo, a specialist in set pieces, deservedly blasted his free kick beyond Nick Pope’s grasp.
Then, before halftime, Almiron and Trippier worked together once more to put Newcastle back on even ground.
The Paraguayan slid home into the bottom-left corner, providing once more for the January signing.
Howe made a complete lineup change at halftime, giving a surprising start to left-back Matty Bondswell, a rookie player.
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The 20-year-old also put in a strong performance for Newcastle, and media outlets praised his work.
Bondswell received a 7 out of 10 rating from Chronicle Live, Shields Gazette, and Newcastle World for his performance in Portugal.
“Made some solid runs forward after being thrown in for huge game,” Lee Ryder wrote.
A mature and composed first-team outing for the 20-year-old left-back, according to Shields Gazette.
Bondswell received a 7 out of 10 rating from Chronicle Live, Shields Gazette, and Newcastle World for his performance in Portugal.
“Made some solid runs forward after being thrown in for huge game,” Lee Ryder wrote.
A mature and composed first-team outing for the 20-year-old left-back, according to Shields Gazette.
Bondswell received a 7 out of 10 rating for his performance in Portugal from Chronicle Live, Shields Gazette, and Newcastle World.
After being sent in for a huge game, Lee Ryder noted that he “made some solid runs forward.”
The 20-year-old left-back had a mature and composed first-team appearance, according to Shields Gazette.
“Held his own against one of Europe’s elite teams.”
The Newcastle World concluded by saying: “A unexpected introduction at halftime, but the 20-year-old more than held his own.
“He’ll have given Howe some something to think about.”
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