Newcastle United faces lengthy journey in Champions League play-offs
The Champions League play-offs have been confirmed as Newcastle United face a 5,000-mile round journey, reports BritPanorama.
The Magpies will confront the Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the knockout phase following today’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland. Eddie Howe’s side, who concluded the league phase in 12th place, were paired with the 22nd-placed club from Baku.
Newcastle will travel away for the opening leg before hosting the return fixture at St James’ Park. The play-off matches are scheduled over two weeks, with the first legs on February 17-18 and the return fixtures on February 24-25.
Meanwhile, other notable clubs such as Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s Benfica will also contest in these play-offs. Real Madrid suffered a 4-2 defeat to Benfica, resulting in their unexpected descent into the play-off round instead of automatic qualification. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin notably scored a dramatic equalizer in injury time during their recent clash.
Notably, five Premier League clubs have already secured their spots in the last 16 without having to navigate the play-off round. Arsenal topped the league phase standings, completing a flawless campaign and earning home advantage throughout the knockout stages. Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City also progressed automatically.
Newcastle, the sole English representative in today’s draw following their 1-1 stalemate away to holders Paris Saint-Germain, will aim to make a mark on this European stage. Their upcoming matches promise excitement as they vie for a place alongside the automatic qualifiers in the knockout rounds.
Clubs successfully progressing from these encounters will join the eight automatic qualifiers in the last 16. The draw for subsequent rounds, including the quarter-finals and semi-finals, is scheduled for February 27, while this season’s Champions League final will take place in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30.
With the weight of expectations on their shoulders and a long journey ahead, Newcastle’s European ambitions will undoubtedly capture the attention of their loyal supporters, reminding all of the formidable challenges football often presents on the global stage.
