The financial gain for competing in the Champions League is why Newcastle United were desperate to qualify last season.
Newcastle United made approximately £3.3million by putting Benfica to the sword in brutal fashion last night.
Eddie Howe’s men weathered an early storm before turning up the heat in the second half to earn a comfortable 3-0 win. Anthony Gordon was at his marauding best to break the deadlock, with a late Harvey Barnes brace securing all three points.
The Magpies took a big step towards qualifying from the Champions League group phase. A win against Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park next will put Newcastle within touching distance of the next round.
Newcastle United net windfall
According to GiveMeSport, a Champions League win in the group phase nets clubs £1.8million. Finishing in the top eight will net Newcastle the same figure, while achieving a play-off spot is worth £900,000.
St James’ Park matchdays also earn the Magpies around £1.5million. Coupled with the sum for beating Benfica, Newcastle pocketed around £3.3million last night.
The financial gain for competing in the Champions League is why Toon chiefs are desperate to make qualifying a regular occurrence. In prize money alone - not including matchday revenue or broadcasting income - Aston Villa earned £45.2million for the 2024-25 campaign.
Eddie Howe on Champions League importance
When aiming to qualify for the Champions League, Eddie Howe highlighted the importance in securing the added revenue. He said in April: “There’s no doubting the power of Champions League football. It could be game-changing in terms of revenue and also in terms of what it means and the competition.
“And then, of course, the changes that you have to make to be ready for Champions League football. That changes everything, as we found last year to our cost to some degree with the extra games, so there's a lot to think about.”
Read More
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle United victory
On beating Benfica, Howe told reporters: “(It was a) good performance. Even in the first half, we created some good chances but had to be patient for the first goal. We scored three great goals and looked a constant threat in the game.
“I am delighted with the win. It’s a massive result. Benfica are a really good team, so we had to show our qualities today. I thought we were patient initially because we had chances and didn’t score early, but we kept at it. And once you saw the second goal, you saw the real us and what we can be.
“I thought we were excellent from that point. We haven’t quite clicked into gear yet this season. Hopefully, that’s the start of what we can be. I think it is that kind of game that we have to take forward into our next few games that we’ve got coming up.
“I thought that’s the level that we want to be at. We’ve been threatening, I think, to put a performance like that together. It’s a good night for us.”
Continue Reading