Former Newcastle United forward misses out on playing in the UEFA Champions League
- Former Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin misses out on playing in the UEFA Champions League.
- Fenerbahce were defeated by Lille in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round.
Newcastle United had a memorable 2022/23 season where they achieved qualification for the UEFA Champions League after twenty years. Eddie Howe's side exceeded all expectations as they finished fourth in the Premier League that season.
One of the star players in that season was French creative playmaker Allan Saint-Maximin. Playing as a left winger, the 27-year-old scored one goal and provided five assists in the Premier League alongside creating eight big chances throughout the season.
Former Newcastle United forward misses out on playing in the UEFA Champions League
However, before the start of the new 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, Allan Saint-Maximin left Newcastle to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. Playing for Al-Ahli, Saint-Maximin scored four goals and provided nine assists last season. Thus, Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce decided to sign Saint-Maximin on a season long loan transfer from Al-Ahli.
This season, Fenerbahce were playing in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round to achieve a group stage qualification for the upcoming 2024/25 Champions League season. In the playoff round against French club Lille, Allan Saint-Maximin made his Fenerbahce debut in a 2-1 first leg defeat.
In the second leg, Fenerbahce needed a win to advance in the UEFA Champions League qualification. With the score still at 0-0, Fenerbahce levelled the aggregate score when Diakite scored an own goal. However, Jonathan David scored his penalty in the extra time to secure the win for Lille.
Thus, Fenerbahce were eliminated from the playoffs round and won't play in the UEFA Champions League this season. This is the second time that Allan Saint-Maximin has come very close to playing in the Champions League. However, Fenerbahce and Saint-Maximin will have to wait another season before playing in the UEFA Champions League.
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Meanwhile, Newcastle United won their opening Premier League match against Southampton. Despite an early red card to Schar, Newcastle defended well throughout the game and Joelinton's goal gave Eddie Howe's side the three points from the first match.
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