MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 05:32:20| >> :120:4078:4078:

Half-Time Report: Newcastle, Benfica level at half time

Half-Time Report: Newcastle, Benfica level at half time
© AP Photos
Newcastle United fail to retain their early lead in Portugal and head into the break against Benfica drawing 1-1.

Papiss Cisse's crucial away goal has improved Newcastle United's chances of progressing in the Europa League, with the Magpies currently drawing 1-1 with Benfica.

Newcastle started brightly, with Cisse breaking free of the Benfica defence in the opening minutes but he failed to make the breakthrough with a tame effort.

However, Cisse atoned for his early mistake in the 12th minute as he fired home from Moussa Sissoko's accurate delivery to give the visitors the lead.

Cisse was in the thick of the action once again midway through the first half, striking a deflected effort against the post as the Magpies continued their impressive beginning to the contest.

Benfica equalised in the 25th minute when Tim Krul was forced to parry Oscar Cardozo's powerful effort, allowing Rodrigo to tap the ball in from close range.

ID:77786: cacheID:77786:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1657:
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Tito Vilanova
Read Next:
Preview: Barcelona vs. Benfica
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!