Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he was "surprised" by his side's opponents in their pre-season defeat in Portugal.
The Magpies lost 3-1 to Portuguese team Rio Ave in their second pre-season game as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season.
"I don't think the result really reflected the game because I think we bossed about 70% of it," Pardew told the club's official website.
"But they had three chances in the first half and scored them all, which put us right on the back foot.
"We were a bit passive for the first 20 or so minutes and, if I'm being honest with you, they surprised us a bit with their quality."
Newcastle open their Premier League campaign on August 19 against Manchester City.
Written by
Simon Sinclair
Simon Sinclair
