Newcastle United FC is back in the Champions League.
After a more than 20-year absence, Newcastle United will rejoin the Champions League in the following campaign.
The Magpies have won nine of their last 13 games to reach the “world’s greatest club competition”. They have spent the majority of the season among the top four Premier League teams.
After drawing 0-0 with Leicester, Newcastle now has one game remaining and is assured of finishing in the top four. When Howe was hired as the club’s head coach in November 2021, they were currently 19th in the Premier League.
With well over 125 games played across Europe, Newcastle has previously competed in two Champions League tournaments. The first was in 1997/97, when they famously defeated Barcelona 3-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Faustino Asprilla. The second was in 2002/03 when they defeated Juventus and famously faced Inter Milan at the San Siro, drawing 2-2.
They qualified once more in 2003/04, but Partizan Belgrade won on penalties in the third qualifying round, knocking them out of the Champions League group stages and into the UEFA Cup.
But thanks to Premier League Manager of the Year nominee Howe, his staff, and his team. They received a “rapturous” reception from a capacity crowd under the lights on Monday night. A whole new generation of supporters can now look forward to European adventures.
What an amazing result, said Stephen Patterson, chief executive of NE1 Ltd, the business improvement district company for Newcastle’s downtown, which represents the interests of 1,400 businesses. We are happy to see Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League again after a 20-year absence.
“This is fantastic news for the club and the city. The Champions League’s return to Newcastle will have a significant positive impact on the city’s economy, population, and overall profile and reputation. Newcastle is a football city.
“Playing in the top division of European football will not only result in a sharp increase in revenue. The city will see an increase in home games, which will increase tourism and consumer spending. Newcastle are once again among the top teams in Europe. This will also increase their profile on a national and international level.
“The success will have a significant impact on the general mood and vibrancy of the entire city, beyond what it means for the club. A prosperous club that is located in the middle of the city makes contributions to the community outside of the playing field. There are exciting times ahead.
