NEWCASTLE could be handed a NIGHTMARE Champions League group as they prepare to return to Europe’s elite competition.
Toon fans will be relishing the opportunity to face the continent’s elite after securing their place on Monday night.
Eddie Howe’s men played out a goalless draw with Leicester to clinch the point they needed to guarantee Champions League football next season.
The Magpies will be placed into pot four as they prepare for their first appearance in the competition since the 2002/03 campaign.
That season they made it through to the second group stage before being eliminated.
But they could be up against it from the off this time around.
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As they will be placed into pot four, it means they are set to come up against three more experienced European sides.
And they could feasibly be drawn against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and AC Milan in a group of death.
Real Madrid, 14-time European champions, will be placed in pot two as they failed to win LaLiga this season.
And seven-time winners AC Milan are set to drop down into pot three – just 12 months after their Serie A title triumph earned them a place in pot one.
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However, Newcastle could also be handed a more favourable draw despite being in the lowest pot.
Dutch champions Feyenoord are a less intimidating pot one side that Howe’s side could come up against.
Then in pot two they may well receive the likes of Porto or RB Leipzig.
And in pot three Newcastle could end up alongside Dinamo Zagreb, Rangers or Red Star Belgrade.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
