And despite clinging on to the qualification spots by their fingernails in the final two games of the season, the Carabao Cup winners will be back in the elite UEFA competition after missing out in 2024/25.
For the first time, the club will play in the new league phase of the competition which was introduced this season.
With dates for the fixture draws happening all the way in August, we couldn't wait to find out who Newcastle might play and how they will get on. So we asked AI to run a prediction simulation for the Magpies in Europe.
Where will Newcastle finish in the UCL? _(Image: PA)_ Here's what it thinks will happen:
**League phase**
First of all, ChatGPT decided who would fill the rest of the league phase - with qualifiers yet to be finalised.
It said:
"These 29 clubs are already confirmed:
* **England**: Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle
* **Italy**: Napoli, Inter, Atalanta, Juventus
* **Spain**: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético, Athletic, Villarreal
* **Germany**: Bayern, Leverkusen, Dortmund, Frankfurt
* **France**: PSG, Marseille, Monaco
* **Netherlands**: PSV
* **Portugal**: Sporting CP
* **Belgium**: Union SG
* **Turkey**: Galatasaray
* **Greece**: Olympiacos
* **Czech Republic**: Slavia Prague
_(Image: The Northern Echo)_ **7 Remaining Spots – via Qualification Rounds**
ChatGPT predicted these teams to also qualify:
1. Celtic
2. Sturm Graz
3. Bodø/Glimt
4. Benfica
5. Feyenoord
6. Club Brugge
7. Red Bull Salzburg"
_(Image: PA)_ **Where would Newcastle finish and who would they play?**
Newcastle will play two teams from each of the four seeded pots, playing no more than two teams from the same country. They will not face any English teams at this stage.
ChatGPT predicted the eight teams Newcastle will play are: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Union Saint-Gilloise, Olympiacos, Red Bull Salzburg, Marseille.
Newcastle United finished in the mid-table region of the 36-team league phase, coming 14th.
This would be enough to book the club a place in the knockout play-off, which ChatGPT predicted would come in the form of a two-legged affair against Feyenoord.
**Knockouts** - **Play-offs**
_**Newcastle v Feyenoord (3-2 aggregate win)**_
Leg one: Feyenoord 1 - 2 Newcastle
Leg two: Newcastle 1 - 1 Feyenoord
"Newcastle's superior squad depth and tactical discipline secured a narrow win over two legs," AI said.
**Round of 16**
**_Newcastle v Chelsea (2-1 aggregate win)_**
Leg one: Chelsea 0 - 0 Newcastle
Leg two: Newcastle 2 - 1 Chelsea
"Chelsea's inconsistency allowed Newcastle to capitalise with a disciplined and effective performance," AI predicted, as it sent the Magpies into the quarter-finals.
**Quarter-final**
**_Newcastle v Inter Milan (3-1 aggregate loss)_**
Leg one: Newcastle 1 - 1 Inter
Leg two: Inter 2 - 0 Newcastle
### AI predicts a return to the San Siro for the Toon. _(Image: PA)_ Recommended reading
The run in the competition ends at the QF stage as AI predicted: "Inter Milan's European experience and tactical nous edged out Newcastle despite a competitive tie."
Overall, a positive season in the Champions League was predicted by AI.
ChatGPT said: "Newcastle United enter the Champions League with a blend of seasoned talent and promising youth, poised to make a significant impact in the competition."