St James’ Park is back in the big time, where it belongs – one of the most iconic footballing venues in world football is once again welcoming the biggest clubs on the planet.
On Wednesday night, the famous stadium played host to one of the biggest games in Newcastle’s recent history as they welcomed European royalty in the shape of Paris Saint-Germain.
The Magpies were not overawed, anything but as they produced one of their best performances of the Eddie Howe era, tearing PSG apart – Kylian Mbappe et al had no answer.
Newcastle’s last Champions League clash was 20 years ago when Sir Bobby Robson’s side crashed out of the competition in the qualifying rounds when beaten on penalties by Partizan Belgrade. A year earlier, they had reached the short-lived second group stage alongside Barcelona and Inter.
The atmosphere as Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar scored goal after goal was something to marvel. You could have asked if the result even mattered given the occasion and long wait or this moment…well, yes, of course it does. But even in previous Champions League campaigns, Newcastle were never seen as contenders. This time it is different. The Magpies are now the richest club in the world, ironically taking that crown from PSG.
But this is so special, on so many levels – to beat PSG in this fashion is remarkable and another prize for Howe – who claimed his first win in Europe as a manager.
“I am so pleased for the players, what they have given tonight and to me since coming to the club – it was such a good feeling for the club, the supporters were so united,” Howe admitted after the victory.
“I am just delighted with how the players implemented the plan, it was a really special night.”
The win also shows that Newcastle can live with Europe’s best – they are now top of Group F – the group of death. Only two games in, but they are unbeaten after facing the might of AC Milan and PSG.
It would be too easy to warn Newcastle not to get carried away, but for Wednesday night, at least – they can. They can celebrate as much as they want knowing they have recorded one of the most famous European nights in their history.
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