Newcastle’s Return to the Champions League After Two Decades
Anticipated Return to European Glory
Newcastle United was last a part of the UEFA Champions League in the 2002/03 season. The wait has been quite long, especially for the older fans. The new ones, particularly those made in the past year or so, are still excited to witness Newcastle’s return to the best European club competition in 20 years. On Tuesday, September 19, the new season of the Champions League marked the club’s long-awaited return, with a game against Milan at the iconic San Siro.
Battle at San Siro
Milan dominated the first half while making 15 shots in the process. Newcastle, on the other hand, had a somewhat weaker performance. The visitors struggled to adapt to Milan’s pressure, managing just two shots that failed to trouble the seven-time Champions League winners. But, despite Milan’s aggression, the Italians failed to capitalize on their numerous chances, leaving the score level – 0:0.
After halftime, Milan continued to try to capitalize on Newcastle’s indecisiveness. Magpies adopted a more defensive stance to try to counter the Rossoneri and potentially score from a quick transition. In the end, the guests managed to endure Milan’s constant pressure and held on for a 0:0 draw in this crucial away fixture. Crucial, especially due to the fact that they’re in the same group with PSG and Borussia Dortmund. Every single point counts here.
Newcastle’s Testing Times: Ownership Saga
However, the return to the Champions League stage is just one part of Newcastle’s modern history. The club’s recent controversial takeover by a consortium involving several parties – the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners, and the Reuben Brothers – has generated certain buzz around the club – both positive and negative. This acquisition was initiated a year and a half ago, in April 2020 to be more exact, and was successfully concluded in October 2021. It has faced numerous challenges since then, including allegations of improper conduct and a protracted approval process.
The takeover stirred debates about the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ test, fan privacy, UK-Saudi Arabia relations, and sports washing concerns. The involvement of high-profile figures like then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and government officials from Saudi Arabia and Qatar added further intrigue to the saga. While some critics questioned the motives behind the deal, supporters argued it could bring much-needed investment to the Tyneside region and potentially strengthen diplomatic ties between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Facing European Giants
As briefly mentioned above, on the pitch, Newcastle’s Champions League return will be an uphill battle, drawn into a group that’s arguably the toughest in the competition this season. Alongside European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, they’ll be tested against some of the best in the world. It’s a difficult challenge for the Magpies, but it’s also a really good test and to some extent even an experiment that will show how far Newcastle United can actually go as a club.
Ups and Downs: A Season’s Tale
Newcastle United had a quite impressive last season in the Premier League. The 22/23 campaign saw them become a club supported by many neutral fans all around the world. This season, on the other hand, has had a rough start so far. We’ll see how it goes for Eddie Howe’s squad in all competitions during this campaign. An 8-0 drumming of Sheffield United away on Sunday does have fans feeling optimistic. Retrospectively, one may be able to point to that match as the tipping point of the campaign, however there’s still the potential for it to go either way. One thing is certain; it’s going to be a wild ride.
