Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United: Top five European matches in club history

By Roy Emanuel

17 Sep 1997: Michael Reiziger (left) of Barcelona takes on Faustino Asprilla (right) of Newcastle United during the Champions League match at St James'' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. Newcastle United won the match 3-2. \ Mandatory Credit: CliveBrunskill/Allsport
17 Sep 1997: Michael Reiziger (left) of Barcelona takes on Faustino Asprilla (right) of Newcastle United during the Champions League match at St James'' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. Newcastle United won the match 3-2. \ Mandatory Credit: CliveBrunskill/Allsport /
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NEWCASTLE – OCTOBER 23: Andy Griffin of Newcastle scores during the UEFA Champions League, Group E match between Newcastle United and Juventus at St. James’ Park in Newcastle on October 23, 2002. (Photo By Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE – OCTOBER 23: Andy Griffin of Newcastle scores during the UEFA Champions League, Group E match between Newcastle United and Juventus at St. James’ Park in Newcastle on October 23, 2002. (Photo By Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

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.

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