Newcastle United get their Champions League campaign underway against Barcelona tomorrow.
Newcastle United have been given a three per cent chance of winning the Champions League this season.
Toon fans are in dreamland after Eddie Howe’s men secured a seat at Europe’s top table for the second time in three seasons. An opening clash at home to Barcelona promises to be a momentous occasion - with the Magpies aiming to evoke the spirit of 1997 this Thursday.
It is exactly 28 years to the day since Tino Asprilla’s hat-trick put the Catalans to the sword - a night that remains etched in Geordie folklore. Reports have suggested the Colombian could be in attendance when the two clubs renew their hostilities tomorrow.
Newcastle United in dreamland
Competing against the La Liga giants was considered a pipe dream just four years ago. The Saudi-backed takeover promises nights like this into reality, with Barcelona a global force in world football
Any result would be considered a positive against a side regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites. With Paris Saint-Germain in the final group game, the onus will fall on Newcastle to rack up the bulk of their points in between.
However, the Magpies are no longer here just to take part. With the new format, there is confidence that Newcastle can make a dent in the competition, unlike two years ago.
Opta rate Newcastle United’s chances
Stat boffins Opta give Newcastle a three per cent chance of going all the way. Ironically, the 2026 final will take place in Budapest, the city that hosted United’s Fairs Cup triumph 56 years ago.
Is it written in the stars for Newcastle to repeat Joe Harvey’s heroics and secure European glory? Surprisingly - and what may excite supporters - Opta predict the Magpies have a 32.7 per cent chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
This is higher than Serie A champions Napoli (23 per cent) and would be Newcastle’s best Champions League campaign. They are backed identically to Inter Milan, who have being losing finalists in two of the last three seasons.
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David Beckham on Newcastle United
Speaking to CBS Sports, football icon Sir David Beckham backed Newcastle as his surprise package. He said: “I think people are already writing Newcastle off. They’re a good team and I think they’ve got some good players. They’re very together as a team, as fans and as a club and I think they could surprise a few people.”
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