Newcastle United knocked out of Europa League

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has praised Benfica after they knocked the Magpies out of the Europa League last night.

Pardew said the Portuguese club were a 'class act' after President Luís Filipe Vieira laid a wreath at the Sir Bobby Robson memorial statue outside St James' Park prior to kick-off.

Benfica drawn against Turkish club Fenerbahce in today's Semi-Final draw. Pardew said although it will be a tough match, the Portuguese giants could go on to eventually win the tournament.

Newcastle United's UEFA Europa League campaign is over after last night's 1-1 draw with Benfica at St James' Park. The Portuguese side won their Quarter-Final tie 4-2 on aggregate.

Watch match highlights below:

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi talks about a disappointing end to the Magpies' Europa League campaign.

Newcastle United mid-fielder Vernon Anita speaks about playing three big matches in one week.

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew on an exciting but frustrating one-all draw at St James' Park to Portuguese team Benfica.

The President of Benfica football club has paid tribute to the North East's own Sir Bobby Robson ahead of tonight's game.

Luís Filipe Vieira laid a wreath of flowers at the feet of the Sir Bobby Robson statue.

Sir Bobby is said to have had a significant impact on Portuguese football during the 1990s when he managed two of Benfica's rivals - Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

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Supporters of both Newcastle United and Benfica are gathering outside St James' Park for tonight's UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final second leg.

ITV News has been asking the people of Newcastle, and those who have travelled from further afield, what they think is going to happen in tonight's Europa League match between the Magpies and Portuguese team Benfica.

What did they think was going to happen?

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has been speaking ahead of tonight's game against Newcastle United about how there is still everything to play for despite last week's 3-1 result.