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Newcastle United’s results vs. the 2019 Champions League finalists

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Divock Origi of Liverpool scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Divock Origi of Liverpool scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United did not fare well against both 2019 Champions League finalists this season.

With both of the Champions League finalists this year coming from England, Newcastle United had the chance to play four matches vs. the sides in the Premier League this season. The Magpies finished 52 points behind 2nd place Liverpool and 26 points behind Spurs in the 4th position. Here are how the four matches vs. the finalists played out for Newcastle United.

Against Liverpool

12/26/18: Liverpool 4, Newcastle United 0

It was not a pleasant Boxing Day for the Magpies in 2018. They played a Liverpool side at home that was unbeaten at the time. Dejan Lovren, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho, and Mo Salah provided the goals in the 4-0 rout. Salah’s goal came on a very questionable penalty decision.

Despite the mismatch on paper, Rafa Benitez did not have the club set up solely to defend at Anfield, but his attack could not convert. This match marked the Premier League debut of Sean Longstaff, who would enjoy a breakout season after this.

5/4/19: Liverpool 3, Newcastle United 2

With the Reds battling down the stretch with Manchester City, Newcastle United had the chance to play spoiler at St. James’ Park. A back-and-forth match saw everything equal heading into the later stages. But, a draw was not on the cards for the Toon as Divock Origi, or Jamaal Lascelles depending on your belief, headed the ball past Martin Dubravka for a late game-winner.

Rafa’s men showed great fight in this one but finished second best in their home finale. Christian Atsu and Salomon Rondon provided the scores. Mo Salah suffered a head injury in a collision with Dubravka that would keep him out of the second leg vs. Barcelona.

Against Spurs

8/11/18: Spurs 2, Newcastle United 1

In their season opener, Newcastle United were dropped by Spurs for the second straight year. This one featured a trio of headed goals, two for Tottenham and one for the Toon. Jan Vertonghen scored first for Spurs before Joselu equalized for the Magpies. Before the break, Dele Alli put the visitors ahead and they would hold the lead safely through the second half.

This match featured a scary moment for Toon Army as DeAndre Yedlin suffered a knee injury late in the game and seemed destined for a lengthy recovery. Somehow, the injury was incredibly minor and he didn’t miss significant time.

2/2/19: Spurs 1, Newcastle United 0

Newcastle United looked set to take a big point on the road against Spurs this winter before falling by way of a late goal. Playing with purpose and not simply defending, Newcastle made it a tough game for Tottenham. Each side missed chances and it appeared a scoreless draw could be on the cards. But, Son was able to get the ball past Martin Dubravka, largely due to a poor save attempt by the goalkeeper, in the 83rd minute.

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Yedlin and Fabian Schar were both notable performers with the former doing well to limit Son and the latter making a goal-line clearance in the second half.