The Champions League is within touching distance.
For Newcastle United, the task is simple.
Beat relegation-threatened Leicester City on Monday in front of a raucous St James’ Park and Eddie Howe’s side will playing in Europe’s elite club competition next season.
For the first time in 20 years, one of England’s most iconic stadiums could soon play host to more famous Champions League nights.
While Newcastle have occupied one of the top four spots for much of the season, even the most optimistic of supporters would surely have struggled to predict this before a ball was kicked.
Increasingly, however, it has been the goal the team have strived towards.
Bruno Guimaraes talks about Champions League qualification
Indeed, star man Bruno Guimaraes has even gone as far as to label qualification for the Champions League as the Newcastle squad’s “obsession”.
The Brazilian has played a key role in the club having their best season in years and his late goal against Brighton on Thursday sparked wild celebrations of relief on Tyneside.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, Guimaraes talked of playing in the game’s biggest club tournament for Newcastle.
“Happy to score again, but mainly for winning the three points,” he said.
“May we close this season with a golden key and with the objective completed: to put Newcastle back in the Champions League.
“It is our obsession and we will spare no effort to make it happen. It will be important for the city, the fans and for the long-term project of the club.”
Refreshing to hear Guimaraes talk of the long-term at Newcastle
While links to Chelsea and Real Madrid didn’t prove overly concerning given just how well Newcastle have played this season, it’s lovely to hear Guimaraes talk about the long-term project at the club.
Were Howe’s side to miss out on the Champions League, it would have hardly been much of a surprise to see links with a move away continue.
The beating heart of this Newcastle team, it’s going to be fascinating to see how Guimaraes gets on in the Champions League.
One of the few in the squad who have experience in the competition, few would put the idea of making an impact in it past him.
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