Champions League draw confirmed - Newcastle United handed tough European return including two 'dream' ties
Newcastle United’s Champions League fixtures have been confirmed - here is the list in full.
Newcastle United have drawn Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Marseille, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.
Tyneside came to a standstill as fans across the region waited to learn Newcastle’s fate. Anticipation has built for the Champions League ever since the Magpies qualified in dramatic fashion on the final day of the campaign.
Newcastle were thrown into a Group of Death against PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund two years ago. Toon fans will remember the agonising circumstances that surrounded their exit last time - with Tino Livramento’s handball in Paris giving them an uphill task going into the final group game.
And in true Newcastle fashion, Eddie Howe’s men will revisit the Parc des Princes this season - with PSG now the reigning champions of the competition. Supporters of a certain age will reminisce about Tino Asprilla and Barcelona whenever they hear the Champions League music.
Those memories are set to come flooding back before the year is out as Newcastle will host the Catalans at St James’ Park. Those who recall the brutal Europa League exit to Benfica in 2013 will be looking for revenge as Os Encarnados are set to renew their Tyneside hostilities.
The trip down memory lane continues as Marseille - who dumped Newcastle out of the UEFA Cup in 2004 - are also on the hit list. Elsewhere, the Magpies have drawn PSV (home), Athletic Bilbao (home) and Union SG (away).