Newcastle United have booked their place in the Champions League with a game to spare after a night of patience against Leicester City at St James' Park.
Eddie Howe's team secured their place at Europe's top table and can now look forward to being in the group stages of the Champions League. This will be the first time United have enjoyed such an honour since 2003 under Sir Bobby Robson.
The Magpies dominated the first half against Leicester with 14 goal attempts but could not find a way past Daniel Iverson and the two teams went in level at the break. Newcastle continued to pile the pressure on after the break but could not find a way through.
But it didn't matter. Newcastle have made it to the promised land and secured that coveted place in Europe's top competition.
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United have achieved this feat by remaining in the Champions League places for 24 match days from a possible 37 compared to Liverpool never entering the coveted top four all season. Big wins over Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have essentially been the difference this term as well as important points away to Arsenal and at home to champions Manchester City.
The Magpies' last kick of a ball in this competition was back in 2003 against Partizan Belgrade in a play-off when Aaron Hughes' swing of a boot in a penalty shoot-out was saved at St James'. However, they will now line up in the group stages alongside some illustrious names.
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