Newcastle United has qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years. The team secured their spot in the prestigious tournament with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday. Liverpool’s draw against Aston Villa last Saturday made Newcastle’s quest for a Champions League spot easier.
With only one point needed from their remaining two games, Newcastle’s third-placed finish in the Premier League secured their return to the competition. The team enjoyed a victory lap around St. James’s Park after the match.Newcastle’s transformation is a tribute to the club’s financial might and Steve Howe’s management. The team, backed by Saudi Arabian ownership, has gone from relegation candidates to top four finishers in just 18 months. They also reached the League Cup final this season – their first domestic final since 1999.
Their return to Europe’s top table has been a long time coming, with their last appearance in 2002 under Bobby Robson. The team’s success will make them believe that they can compete as trophy contenders among the heavyweights in Europe.
Meanwhile, Leicester City is on the verge of being relegated from the top-flight for the 12th time in their history after their defeat. They play their final match against West Ham on Sunday.