Newcastle United’s top ten memorable European nights - including Inter, Barcelona and Feyenoord
The Magpies have enjoyed a whole host of eventful nights in European competitions since making their Fairs Cup debut in 1968.
The presence of three former European opponents on Newcastle United’s pre-season fixture list got us a bit nostalgic.
Memories of Champions League nights under Sir Bobby Robson, black and white images of Bob Moncur lifting the Fairs Cup and Rob Lee’s hat-trick against Royal Antwerp came rushing back.
Of course, Eddie Howe and his side will not be competing in European competition during the upcoming season but the Magpies will hope to progress towards earning a top seven place during the campaign and earning a crack against opposition from the continent in the near future.
For now, pre-season fixtures against the likes of 1860 Munich, Benfica and Athletic Bilbao may lack the glitz and glamour of European nights under the lights at a packed out St James Park - but they do give us a chance to look back at some of the greatest nights in the history of the club.
NewcastleWorld selects our top ten European nights in the history of Newcastle United.
1. 1970/71: Fairs Cup - Newcastle United 2-0 Inter Milan
After battling to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in the San Siro, Newcastle saw off the Italian giants as Bob Moncur and Wyn Davies netted on a stormy night at the Gallowgate as the frustrated visitors lost their discipline. Photo: Getty Images
2. 2002/03: Champions League - Inter Milan 2-2 Newcastle United
A stunning away support descended on the San Siro and saw the Magpies put in a heroic display as Alan Shearer’s brace earned them a 2-2 draw against an Inter side containing the likes of Javier Zanetti and Christian Vieri. Photo: Getty Images
3. 1968/69: UEFA Fairs Cup - Newcastle United 4-0 Feyenoord
The Magpies produced a stunning display on the European debut as ‘Pop’ Robson, Wyn Davies, Tommy Gibb and Jimmy Scott all netted in a 4-0 win against Dutch giants Feyenoord. Photo: Getty Images
4. 1994/95: UEFA Cup - Royal Antwerp 0-5 Newcastle United
What a way to return to European football! A hat-trick of headers from Rob Lee and a goal apiece for Scott Sellars and Steve Watson as Kevin Keegan’s Magpies romped to a big win in Belgium. Photo: Getty Images