Because, as ever, Newcastle knew that when it matters they can always rely on Mr Dependable - skipper Alan Shearer.
Captain Fantastic was once again at his indestructible best as his solitary first-half strike saw United finally beat Sporting Lisbon at the third time of asking this season.
A classic Shearer header after 37 minutes proved decisive, though in fairness there was little to choose between the two sides.
Sporting - six points behind Benfica in their domestic league - played their usual fluent passing game and will be more than happy at having to chase just one goal in the second leg.
But with United keeping a clean sheet, a goal in Lisbon for Graeme Souness' side would be very interesting.
Following Saturday's debacle against Aston Villa it came as no surprise to see Lee Bowyer on the bench, where he was joined by the ineffective Nicky Butt.
Shay Given reached a new milestone when he became the first player in the club's history to reach the 50 European appearance mark in what was United's 101st match in Europe.
But the Republic of Ireland keeper only lasted the first half and was replaced by Steve Harper at the break.
Then to tumultuous cheers, Bowyer was given the opportunity to redeem himself in front of the Geordie faithful after 63 minutes, ironically for the injured Kieron Dyer.
An early Shola Ameobi challenge saw Lisbon keeper Ricardo take a kick to the head and he required almost four minutes of treatment.
Liedson – the 23-goal leading scorer in Portugal – had a shot forced behind by Given before the Brazilian blotted his copybook after 33 minutes with a rash challenge on Aaron Hughes. The striker was cautioned and, crucially, was ruled out of the second leg.
From the Laurent Robert free-kick Shearer headed in only for the referee to order the kick to be retaken.
Shearer was furious and later complained: "Laurent asked if he could take the free-kick and the referee said yes, but then disallowed the goal."
But two minutes later the deadly duo combined with great effect. Robert swung in another free-kick from a similar position and Shearer cleverly lost his marker to power in a header from the penalty spot.
Carlos Martins flashed a shot wide of Harper's goal early in the second half, but the best opportunities went the way of United.
Substitute James Milner got in but could not keep his shot down and just before the end Ameobi drilled a low shot wide.
Ameobi almost capitalised earlier on Ricardo's slack approach but was denied when the keeper's clearance struck his hand to deny him a certain goal.
Shearer, now on 192 United goals – just eight adrift of Jackie Milburn's record – was delighted with the result.
"It was a very good win as there was a lot of pressure out there for obvious reasons," he said. "The win showed we mean business in this competition, but it promises to be a tough game over there."
Bowyer was pleased to be back in action and with the response of the Newcastle fans, who cheered his every move.
"The fans were really good and I could not have asked for anymore from them," said the controversial midfielder.
"I asked for a chance and I hope to repay them in the future. My long-term future is not up to me but the fans know they'll always get 100 per cent from me."