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Eddie Howe urged Newcastle to deliver a “memorable European evening” in their pursuit to remain in the Champions League against AC Milan.
The Champions League has been a tough return for Newcastle. They were placed in the dreaded ‘group of death’ with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Milan. The group has definitely lived up to its intimidating name.
Despite coming close to a notable victory against PSG in their previous match, Howe’s team, who have been plagued by injuries, head into their final match against Milan with the possibility of advancing to the last-16 alongside Dortmund.
Howe stated that we have one remaining game and it is crucial to make it a memorable one. He urges the fans to create a magical atmosphere for this European night. While the fans can only do so much, it is our responsibility to contribute and make it extraordinary.
Here is all the information you need to know before the last round of matches.
What is the process for Newcastle to qualify?
Newcastle needs to win against AC Milan in their home game and rely on Paris Saint-Germain to either tie or lose against Borussia Dortmund, who have already secured a spot in the round of 16. If Newcastle achieves any other outcome, they will not advance to the knockout stage.
If PSG wins, they will advance to the last-16. If they draw and AC Milan wins at St James’ Park, they will also advance. However, if they lose and AC Milan and Newcastle draw, they will still advance. AC Milan will qualify if they defeat Newcastle and Dortmund defeats PSG.
If Newcastle ties with Milan and has the same number of points, they will be relegated to the Europa League.
When will the Champions League round of 16 draw take place?
The lottery will occur on Monday, December 18th. It is scheduled to begin at 11am GMT and will be held in Nyon, Switzerland.
Who has advanced to the round of 16?
Confirmed as the top team in the group:
- Manchester City
- Bayern Munich
- Arsenal
- Real Sociedad
- Real Madrid
- ?
- ?
- ?
Confirmed as runners-up:
- RB Leipzig
- PSV Eindhoven
- FC Copenhagen
- Napoli
- Inter Milan
- ?
- ?
- ?
Through, but place in group TBC:
- Barcelona
- Borussia Dortmund
- Atletico Madrid
- Lazio
Still in contention:
- Paris Saint-Germain (F)
- Newcastle (F)
- AC Milan (F)
- Porto (H)
- Shakhtar Donetsk (H)
What are the guidelines for the drawing?
The winners of the group, who are seeded, will be randomly paired with one of the eight second-place teams. Teams from the same country are not eligible to face each other in the round of 16, and a team cannot be matched up with one they have already competed against in the group phase. The group winners will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
When will the final 16 matches occur?
First legs: 13/14/20/21 February 2024
Second legs: 5/6/12/13 March 2024
When will the quarter-final draw take place?
The drawing for the quarter-final and semi-final rounds will occur on Friday, March 15th, 2024.
Source: independent.co.uk
