Newcastle United legend David Ginola is convinced their Europa League chances aren't over.

The Tynesiders are big outsiders to make the final in Amsterdam next month after they lost 3-1 to Benfica in the first leg of their quarter-finals.

"It has been a very tough season for them and it's a long way to go to save the season, but the Europa League means a little bit more for them because they have had a hard season and this competition gives you an opportunity to cheer people up a bit," Ginola told the London Evening Standard.

"The Europa League is very important for a club like Newcastle. This way the team can say: 'OK, it has been hard and tough but we have managed to do something good in a European competition'.

"It's almost like a relief for them. Football is not fighting, it's about enjoyment."