When Newcastle United line up against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, it will evoke memories of the famous clash between the sides in the 2012/13 Europa League quarter-final.

It has been 12-and-a-half years since the two sides have locked horns in European competition but it is a night at St James' Park that still has Newcastle fans pondering 'what if?'

It was perhaps even the defining night of a four-year period under Mike Ashley's controversial reign as United owner where there was genuine hope Newcastle could re-establish themselves as a force on the domestic and European scene.

Having won promotion from the Championship in the 2009/10 season under Chris Hughton, Newcastle cemented their place in the Premier League the following season under Hughton and then Alan Pardew. Some smart recruitment, driven by former chief scout Graham Carr, saw Pardew mould a brilliant Newcastle team in the summer of 2011.

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Continue Reading: Inside story of why Benfica's last visit to Newcastle still hurts