Newcastle United secured Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years following a goalless draw against Leicester City that secured them a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Magpies went into the match knowing that a win or a draw would be enough to guarantee them the spot, and they produced a superb performance to see off the Foxes.
“I want success massively for this football club,” coach Eddie Howe said. “So we’ll try that. I feel like we’ve achieved something great but there’s no trophy. We’ll enjoy tonight be we want to bring silverware here in the future.” Newcastle are four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, while Leicester remains in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety. Follow us to get soccer predictions and more.
Newcastle had the better of the chances in the first half, with Callum Wilson and Miguel Almirón both hitting the post. Bruno Guimarães also went close with a header, but the Magpies were unable to find the breakthrough. The second half was a more cagey affair, with both sides creating few chances. However, Newcastle held on for a deserved point to secure their place in the Champions League.
The result is a major achievement for Newcastle, who have been transformed since the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover in October 2021. The Magpies have spent heavily in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Bruno Guimarães, Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, and they have now reaped the rewards of their investment.
The Magpies last played in Europe’s elite club competition in the 2002-03 season, under the guidance of legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson. They are likely to be one of the favorites to win the Europa League next season, and they could also challenge for the Premier League title in the years to come as they eye for a first major trophy since 1955 after falling in the League Cup final this year.
They will be one of the least experienced teams in the Champions League next season. However, the club has a talented squad and coach Howe, who is known for his attacking style of play. They will be hoping to make a real impact in the competition next season and challenge for the trophy despite the threat of the biggest clubs in Europe, such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
“The difficulty is there’s no trophy. It’s an amazing achievement, an amazing thing in terms of where we’ve come from in such a short space of time,” Howe said. “But it feels difficult to celebrate it like you’ve won a league or something like that. It’s right up there, of course it is. It’s an amazing thing at a very special club. They aim to finish the season on high as they take Chelsea to secure third position.