Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was pleased with his players after their defeat to Benfica in the Eusebio Cup.

Miguel Almiron scored twice as the Toon lost 3-2 on the night.

Howe said, "We did very well tonight, I was very happy with our quality. It was like a Premier League game. We did good things, there are others to improve, but I really liked what I saw from my players. It was balanced, both teams did well, it was a good test. When the Premier League starts we will be ready.

"Almirón?. He scored two goals, he could have scored one more. I'm delighted to see him score."

On Joelinton's dismissal, Howe added: "I was disappointed as I don't think the 'tackle' was a card foul. The sending off spoiled the last fifteen or twenty minutes of play."