With the season drawing to a close and Newcastle United’s eyes firmly on a Champions League position for the first time in 20 years excitement is building amongst fans.
Eddie Howe’s Toon are currently in third place, a position which is only getting stronger with each match.
But what did Champions League football look like the last time it came to St James’ Park?
Well, for one, Newcastle legend Bobby Robson was the manager, embarking on his third season as the Mags’ head coach.
It was also extremely dramatic. Newcastle lost their first three matches before shocking Juventus 1-0 at St James’ Park.
The team then went on to beat Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 at home before winning away to Feyenoord 3-2.
United progressed to the second round of the Champions League, facing Inter Milan, Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen.
After a chaotic match at home against Inter Milan where Bellamy was sent off in the opening minutes and Shearer was suspended, they managed to bounce back against Bayer Leverkusen winning 3-1.
But Newcastle eventually dropped out of the Champions League after losing 2-0 to Barcelona at home.
It was a dramatic, exciting and unforgettable final season amongst Europe’s best teams and it looks like we’re heading for another go next season.
Here are some of the best and most iconic photos from Newcastle United’s 2002/03 campaign.
1. Newcastle v Barcelona
Dani of Barcelona striking the ball to score Barcelona's first goal during the match between Barcelona and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, Second Phase, Group A match held on December 11, 2002 at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won the match 3-1. (Photo By Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2. Newcastle United v Barcelona
Laurent Robert of Newcastle United tussles for possession of the ball with Carles Puyol of Barcelona during the match between Barcelona and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, Second Phase, Group A match held on December 11, 2002 at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won the match 3-1. (Photo By Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
3. Newcastle United v Barcelona
Captain Gary Speed of Newcastle United stops Juan Roman Riquelme of Barcelona during the match between Barcelona and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, Second Phase, Group A match at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain on December 11, 2002. (Photo By Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
4. Newcastle United v Barcelona
Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson looks on during the pitch inspection before the game is postponed during the match between Barcelona and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League, Second Phase, Group A match at the Nou Camp in Barcelona, Spain on December 10, 2002. Robson has been sacked by Newcastle August 30, 2004 following a poor start to the new season. (Photo By Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) | Getty Images