Newcastle United have been shocked by Fulham on the opening day of the Championship.

Matt Smith's first-half header handed Newcastle defeat on their return to the Sky Bet Championship as Fulham started the English football season with a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Rafa Benitez knows Newcastle cannot afford many similar performances if they are to immediately return to the Premier League.

"I'm really disappointed because we did not play at the level we expected," he said. "We did not win the ball too much in the second ball and were not keeping the ball properly. We were not concentrating. This game could be a wake-up call for everyone.

"The only positive is it is the beginning of the season and we can wake up. At least everyone has to realise it has to be like this for the rest of the season.

"We didn't play at the level we want to play and have to play if you want to score goals and win games. You have to be much better. We have to realise this is a tough competition and we have to be much better."