BENFICA and Newcastle United have had contrasting domestic campaigns, but the head coach of the Portuguese league leaders, Jorge Jesus, thinks that will count for nothing tonight.

While the threat of relegation still hangs over the Magpies in the Premier League, Benfica are four points clear at the top of the Liga ZON Sagres.

But Jesus, speaking last night ahead of leading his side's training session at the Estadio da Luz, believes the threat from a Newcastle team managed by Alan Pardew will be strong.

“Benfica have always eliminated many European teams, so it shows what level we are playing at, but Newcastle will be tough for us,” said Jesus. “This manager (Pardew) has a more direct approach than most English teams we have faced, their attack will cause us many troubles.”

Jesus has been in charge of Benfica for five years now and stability has been a key factor in one of the world's greatest clubs turning things around after a lull in fortunes.

But he is wary of what Newcastle will do in the first leg of tonight's Europa League quarter-final.

He said: “Leagues are different, so how we are doing and how Newcastle are doing in their league will not mean too much. Europa League football is different.

“Newcastle are a very strong team, they have only lost one game in the competition. It will not be decided in the first leg so we need to make sure we finish the 90 minutes in a strong position.

“All teams that are in the quarter-finals are a strong team, there is not much between the teams at this stage, so Newcastle will be a strong team.

“In the last few years we have beaten Manchester United, Everton … so it is understandable that the English are looking at us like we are a team doing well. What we have to do is focus on Benfica, this great team.”