Newcastle United face an uphill battle to qualify for the next round of the Champions League after their loss to Borussia Dortmund.
The Magpies were beaten 2-0 in Germany on Tuesday night, meaning they have suffered back to back losses in the Champions League. Combine that with AC Milan’s win over PSG and Eddie Howe’s side are now bottom of Group F.
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Paris, where they will take on the only team they have beaten in the Champions League this season. After that it is AC Milan at St James’ Park, which will be the final fixture of the group stage.
And, unless the Magpies can get positive results against PSG and Milan, it will also be Newcastle’s final Champions League fixture of the season.
That is the view of ESPN pundit Craig Burley, who is adamant that Newcastle are going to get knocked out of Europe’s premier competition before Christmas.
‘Not a chance’ Newcastle stay in the Champions League for Craig Burley
Speaking on ESPN’s YouTube channel, Burley was asked to predict who is going to finish where in Champions League Group F. He believes that despite a strong start, Newcastle are going to be rock bottom.
“Newcastle have to go to Paris,” he said.
“Don’t fancy them at all. Then they’re at home against Milan, could be too late by that point.
“Milan have got Dortmund at home, and I don’t think Milan will let Dortmund off the hook like Newcastle have, particularly at the San Siro.
“I fancy Dortmund’s run to come to an end, Newcastle to finish bottom and PSG and Milan to go through.”
Burley added on Newcastle: “Not a chance they’re going to go through.”
Newcastle need a Champions League miracle
It is going to take something very special for Newcastle to make it through the group stage of the Champions League.
We absolutely have to go to PSG and get a win, which is going to be incredibly tough. Sure, we battered them at St James’ Park, but it will be a different occasion away from home.
The crowd played a huge role during that 4-1 win, but that factor will disappear on November 28th.
Even if Newcastle do win that, they will still then need to get something against AC Milan on December 13th.
The group of death is perfectly poised going into the final two games, with just three points separating first and fourth. Newcastle still have a chance, but they are going to have to produce something very special against two elite teams if their Champions League journey is going to continue into 2024.
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