Nobody gave Newcastle United a chance when the UEFA Champions League’s group stage draw was made earlier this season. The Magpies, who were returning to the competition for the first time in forever, were drawn into the ‘group of death’ with the likes of PSG, AC Milan, and Borussia Dortmund, teams that are seasoned European contenders.
Four games into their campaign, and they have only won one of their group stage games, a 4-1 rout of PSG last month. Ahead of the return leg in Paris, Newcastle United fans were left feeling nervous after the home fans attacked them in a violent and damaging vandalization of a certain Paris pub.
PSG Ultras attack Newcastle United fans
Newcastle United fans are still relishing the beauty of their first UCL campaign for the first time in a long time. The Magpies occupied the final qualification spot last season, earning them the chance to compete in this season’s UCL, although it hasn’t been an easy campaign.
The club’s supporters endured a torrid evening yesterday as their pub was attacked by PSG fans, who visibly tried to force their way. Several videos surfaced online yesterday of Newcastle fans trying to protect themselves in a Paris pub as chairs and flares were thrown by PSG fans in the eventful attack.
“Stay safe in Paris tonight. Stick together and look after each other,” the club’s supporters’ club posted on social media yesterday.
Newcastle are in Paris for the return leg of their two-legged tie against PSG. In the home game, the Magpies had a surprise 4-1 win over the Kylian Mbappe-led PSG team, which may have contributed to the clash between both sets of fans in Paris.
It’s been a sad period for the club’s fans in Europe, who have suffered several attacks this season. According to Daily Mail, one Newcastle fan was stabbed by some Milan fans earlier this season.
Qualification scenario from UCL Group F
It was considered the most difficult group when the draw was made, and the situation in group F suggests just that. Newcastle sit at the bottom of the group with just one win in four games, although they also got one point from their first game in Milan, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Newcastle face a high-flying PSG side in Paris tonight, knowing anything less than a win would seal their elimination from this season’s UCL campaign. But they will be filled with confidence of getting a result after winning the first leg 4-1 at home.
The Magpies also recorded a 4-1 victory over Chelsea last weekend, and they have all it takes to cause another upset for the Paris-based club.
However, if Dortmund manage to get one point from the Milan game and Newcastle lose to PSG, that will spell the end of the road for Eddie Howe’s men in the Champions League this season.
“We will need every ounce of energy to get a result,” Eddie Howe said ahead of the game.
“This is a defining moment in our Champions League campaign. We are going to give it everything. It is imperative we don’t lose,” he added.
Newcastle United have had some good things go their way in recent weeks with the contract extension of Bruno Guimaraes and the possible multiple loans in January from associated clubs to fill in for missing players like Sandro Tonali and Callum Wilson.
Can Newcastle United cause an upset in Paris tonight?
