Newcastle United FC returns to the Champions League after 20-year absence

Newcastle United will return to the Champions League next season after an absence of more than 20 years.

The Magpies have spent the majority of the season in the Premier League’s top four positions and have won nine of their last 13 matches to qualify for the “world’s greatest club competition”.

Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Leicester means Eddie Howe’s side are now certain of a top four finish with one match left to play. The club was 19th in the Premier League when Howe was appointed as head coach in November 2021.

Newcastle have played well over 125 games in Europe and have previously enjoyed two Champions League campaigns, the first in 1997/97, when they famously beat Barcelona 3-2 at St. James’ thanks to a Faustino Asprilla hat-trick, the second in 2002/03, when they were winners against Juventus and memorably took on Inter Milan at the San Siro, drawing 2-2.

They qualified again in 2003/04, but lost out to Partizan Belgrade on penalties in the third qualifying stages, meaning they dropped into the UEFA Cup rather than going into the Champions League group stages.

But now a whole new generation of supporters can look forward to European adventures thanks to Premier League Manager of the Year nominee Howe, his staff and his team, who received a “rapturous” reception from a capacity crowd under the lights on Monday night.

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd, the Business improvement District company for Newcastle city centre, which represents the interests of 1,400 businesses, commented: “What an amazing result. We are delighted that Newcastle United has secured its return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence.

“It is great news for the club and it is great news for the city. Newcastle is a football city and the return to the Champions League will be hugely positive for the city, its economy, its people, and its global profile and reputation.

“Being in the top flight of European football will not only deliver a dramatic uplift in revenue, it will boost visitor numbers and spend with more home matches played in the city. It will also raise Newcastle’s profile on a national and international stage with Newcastle back among the elite teams of Europe.

“Beyond what it means for the club, the success will have a huge impact on the general atmosphere and vibrancy of the whole city. A successful club, one that’s at the heart of the city centre, delivers for the city beyond the confines of the pitch. Exciting times lie ahead.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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