2002-03 UEFA Champions League group stage (Newcastle United 1 – Juventus 0)
The UEFA Champions League has become a truly massive occasion, and is the absolute pinnacle of club football. Part of what makes the tournament so special is facing legendary clubs from around the globe, while defeating these types of clubs will become legendary tales.
That was the case in 2002, when Newcastle United earned an incredible 1-0 victory over Italian giants Juventus. Facing group-stage elimination without the result, the resiliency and determination of the team was exceptional.
Andy Griffin scored the winner, and it was fitting for an effort that had to beat the great Gianluigi Buffon. Griffin’s shot took a fortunate bounce and found the back of the net in the second half.
Disappointing results prior to this fixture appeared to have the Magpies out, but instead the win motivated them on their way to the next round. The Champions League at that time featured a second group stage, with the eight group winners and eight runners-up advancing.
The second group stage would set up quarter-final matches. Thanks to the confidence gained in their win over Juventus, Newcastle were close to continuing their run. The second group stage featured two victories against Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen.
The competition did not bring silverware, but getting the best of the Bianconeri in the UEFA Champions League is something to be very proud of.