NEWCASTLE UNITED have been drawn in the group of death for this season’s Champions League group stage.
It’s a clean-sweep of massive fixtures for the Magpies, with Newcastle drawing PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
Champions League nights at St James’ Park were last seen under Sir Bobby Robson in the 2002/03 season with a team that included the likes of Alan Shearer, Nobby Solano and Gary Speed.
Back then the competition was split into two group stages, with Newcastle advancing through a group that contained Juventus, Dynamo Kyiv and Feyenoord.
After that they were drawn in a group of death, like this year, alongside Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen and ultimately crashed out during the second group stage.
Eddie Howe masterminded a return to the Champions League last season with the club finishing fourth in the Premier League.
READ MORE NEWCASTLE NEWS
Their qualification came firmly ahead of schedule for the club’s Saudi ownership, who took them over the previous season with the club facing relegation under Steve Bruce.
Newcastle have been active in the transfer window as they prepare to have a squad capable of managing European and Premier League football.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Sandro Tonali became the club’s record signing after transferring from AC Milan for £60million.
The midfielder brings Champions League experience with him after playing in the semi-final against rivals Inter last season.
Most read in Football
They have also reinforced by bringing in Leicester winger Harvey Barnes for £38m.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have also reinforced the squad at full back.
Despite the high of last season’s top four finish, it’s been a tough start to the season for Newcastle.
They kicked off the season in impressive style with a thrilling 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa but have since fallen to a 1-0 defeat to champions Manchester City and a late Darwin Nunez double saw them lose 2-1 to Liverpool.
They’ll be looking to bounce back next time away at Brighton in the Saturday evening kick off.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
