Alan Pardew says he could not have asked for anything more from his Newcastle United players as well as the crowd in their Europa League clash with Benfica on Thursday night.
The Toon bowed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage 4-2 on aggregate after drawing 1-1 at St James' Park as Eduardo Salvio cancelled out Papiss Cisse's 71st minute opener.
Newcastle gave everything they could in the second leg after giving Benfica a 3-1 lead from the first leg and despite the exit, Pardew was a happy man.
"They are a good side - you can't let them get a lead against you," said Pardew.
"In the first half we kept it tight and looked to nick a goal - and almost did before half-time.
"We had two or three big chances at 1-0 but you can't ask for anything more from the crowd, the players.
"You've got to respect the opposition - technically they are a superb side. I am so proud of the performance - we couldn't have done any more.
"We've got some very good players - when we get them all back we've got a very good side."
