Pardew praises Benfica 'class'

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.