Newcastle United officially dealt European blow after former Champions League foes go head-to-head

Premier League clubs cannot earn the illustrious fifth Champions League spot after Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain last night.

Two of Newcastle United’s former foes went head-to-head at the Westfalenstadion, with Dortmund edging out a 1-0 win. Niclas Fullkrug’s first-half strike gave the Bundesliga outfit a slender advantage ahead of the second leg in Paris.

That result had consequences for English clubs - with the final nail being placed in the coffin of UEFA’s new coefficient system. The Champions League rebrand next season offered the chance for the Premier League to earn another representative.

However, English clubs have failed miserably in 2023-24, with Newcastle playing their part. Toon fans understand the situation they were in, being tasked with the Group of Death after 20 years in the Champions League wilderness and, in truth, punching above their weight last season.

But one win in six did little to benefit England’s cause of earning an extra place. Couple that with Manchester United also finishing rock-bottom of their group, as well as Arsenal and Manchester City’s quarter-final exit, and it becomes clear why Germany and Italy took their spot.

Even in the Europa League, Liverpool were stunned by Atalanta despite being huge favourites for the competition. West Ham United and Brighton came unstuck, too, with Aston Villa still flying the flag in the Conference League.

The news cements Newcastle’s objective for the remainder of the season. Finishing sixth would guarantee Europa League qualification providing Manchester City win the FA Cup, with seventh ensuring Conference League football.