How Newcastle United can qualify for the Champions League knockout stages?

Newcastle United slipped to the bottom of their Champions League group with a defeat against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday - but the Magpies can still qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.

The Magpies always looked to be facing a tough challenge after being drawn in a group containing seven-time winners AC Milan, French giants Paris Saint-Germain and a Dortmund side that are well versed in competing in European football's elite club competition.

But Eddie Howe's side made a promising start to their group stage campaign by battling to a goalless draw in Milan before swiping aside PSG with a 4-1 win on a memorable night at St James Park. However, home and away defeats against Dortmund have left Newcastle with a lot of work to do to extend their participation in this season's Champions League into the new year and the likelihood is they will require favours from elsewhere over the final two matchdays of the group.

What fixtures are remaining in Group F?

Matchday Five: Tuesday 28th November

Paris Saint-Germain v Newcastle United, AC Milan v Borussia Dortmund (both 8pm BST)

Matchday Six: Wednesday 13th December

Newcastle United v AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund v Paris Saint-Germain (both 8pm BST)

What must Newcastle United do to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages?

Quite simply, Eddie Howe’s men MUST avoid defeat against Paris Saint-Germain later this month if they are to stand any chance of progressing into the knockout stages of the competition.  The Magpies will also have one eye on the other matchday five fixture as third placed AC Milan host group leaders Borussia Dortmund.

A defeat in the French capital would leave the Magpies to focus on claiming third place in the group and with that would come qualification for the Europa League.  That is due to their inferior head-to-head record against Dortmund after the German giants completed a double over Howe’s side over the last two matchdays.

A draw against PSG would leave United on five points and that would keep them in the hunt for a top two place no matter what happens in the Milan v Dortmund fixture.  However, it would mean Newcastle HAVE to beat Milan at St James Park and better PSG’s result in their visit to Dortmund.

To simplify the equation, wins against both PSG and Milan would see Eddie Howe's side take their place in the draw for the first knockout round.