Newcastle fans in dreamland as Geordies confirm Champions League football

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Newcastle have confirmed their Champions League qualification for next season after drawing 0-0 with Leicester.

Eddie Howe's side are now guaranteed a top-four finish with four points separating them and fifth-placed Liverpool with one game to go for both sides. Manchester United sit one point behind in fourth with a game in hand, which they'll play against Chelsea on Thursday (May 25).

The Magpies last played in Europe's premier competition in 2003, having previously featured in the 1997/98 campaign. They'll now be back for a third crack of the whip after the summer break.

READ MORE: Fans 'can't wait to hear from Howard Webb' as Bruno Guimaraes gets away with horror foul

A point was enough against Leicester, who climbed above Leeds but remain in the relegation zone heading into their final game at home to West Ham on Sunday (May 28).

Newcastle were perhaps fortunate to not be down to 10 men inside the opening 10 minutes at St James' Park when Bruno Guimaraes was only shown a yellow card for a studs-up challenge on opposition midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

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They were totally dominant in the opening 45 minutes, claiming 81% of possession and having 14 attempts on goal. Callum Wilson hit the post and had a header cleared off the line.

But they were unable to make a breakthrough before or after the break, with it very much being one-way traffic in the second half too.

However, Nick Pope had to get down smartly to deny a Leicester winner in stoppage time at the end of the match.

Erik ten Hag's Red Devils will be able to claim the final Champions League spot if they can draw or win against Chelsea later in the week.

Liverpool and Brighton look primed to secure qualification to the Europa League, with Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford battling it out for the Europa Conference League spot come the final day.

Newcastle will travel to face Chelsea in their season concluder this weekend.

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• Newcastle United FC
• Premier League
• Champions League

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