Newcastle set for Champions League boost and hidden advantage at Man City

Last night saw 36 Champions League clubs battle it out on the final night of the league phase.

It was an unprecedented night of European football and featured plenty of twists and turns; one of which looks set to benefit Newcastle United in more ways than one.

Double boost for Newcastle?

Results in Wednesday night's league phase finale look almost certain to hand Newcastle and the Premier League at least one extra slot in next season's Champions League.

At one stage, Man City were 1-0 down against Club Brugge and set to be dumped out, but a second half twist at the Etihad and eventual 3-1 win has seen them reach the play-offs.

According to Opta, this now means there is a 97% chance the Premier League's 5th placed side qualify for next season's tournament, significantly boosting our hopes of returning to Europe's top competition.

Newcastle's trip to Man City now perfectly placed

There is more potential good news for Newcastle from last night, as Man City's comeback win to help them reach the play-off has seen them set up a heavyweight double header that will take place either side of our trip to the Etihad next month.

In our next league game after Fulham, Eddie Howe's Mags take on Pep Guardiola's side Saturday 15th February; a match that will now fall in between City's two-legged play-off clash with either Bayer Munich or Real Madrid.

Real and Bayern finished the league phase in 11th and 12th last night and one of them will take on City (22nd) for a place in the knockout stages, with that double-header falling either side of our trip to Manchester.

Considering Man City's vulnerabilities and the fact Pep may have to prioritise the Champions League after falling 12 points behind Liverpool at the top, it feels like the perfect time to play them.