When Newcastle United host Benfica in the Champions League this week, it will evoke memories of their last home clash against the Portuguese giants: the dramatic second leg of the 2012/13 Europa League quarter-final.
On Thursday, April 11, 2013, a packed St James’ Park witnessed a heroic effort from a determined Newcastle side, who ultimately fell tantalizingly short of a famous comeback, drawing 1-1 to lose 4-2 on aggregate.
Manager Alan Pardew went for broke in his lineup, opting for a team that balanced defensive resilience with offensive power as they attempted to overturn the 3-1 first-leg deficit.
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Newcastle United’s starting XI vs Benfica (April 11, 2013)
The lineup was notable for the inclusion of young midfielder Gaël Bigirimana and the attacking talents of Papiss Cissé and Moussa Sissoko.
| Position | Player | Kit Number |
| Goalkeeper | Tim Krul | 1 |
| Right Back | Danny Simpson | 5 |
| Centre Back | Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa | 13 |
| Centre Back | Mike Williamson | 6 |
| Left Back | Massadio Haïdara | 35 |
| Right Midfield | Moussa Sissoko | 7 |
| Centre Midfield | Vurnon Anita | 8 |
| Centre Midfield | Yohan Cabaye (C) | 4 |
| Left Midfield | Jonas Gutiérrez | 18 |
| Attacking Midfield | Gaël Bigirimana | 20 |
| Centre Forward | Papiss Cissé | 9 |
Substitutes Used: Shola Ameobi (for Bigirimana, 46’), Hatem Ben Arfa (for Anita, 63’), Sylvain Marveaux (for Haïdara, 67’).
Cissé’s goal and the heartbreaking end
The match was a tense affair, with Papiss Cissé eventually firing the Magpies ahead in the 71st minute with a header from a Shola Ameobi cross.
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The goal gave Newcastle vital hope, putting them just one goal away from progressing on away goals.
Pardew threw caution to the wind, bringing on attacking threats like Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux to chase the winner.
However, the sustained pressure was ultimately countered by the quality of the visiting side.
In the 92nd minute, Eduardo Salvio broke clear and rifled home the equaliser, sapping the atmosphere from St James’ Park and sealing a 4-2 aggregate win for Benfica.
The memorable night showcased a Newcastle side fighting for Europe, a spirit the current team will hope to reignite in their Champions League clash this week.
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