Newcastle is on the verge of staging a comeback to the UEFA Champions League, needing just one more win to secure their return. Now under Saudi ownership, the club defeated Brighton 4-1 on Friday (IST), solidifying their grip on third place in the Premier League.
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Earning three more points will guarantee Newcastle a top-four finish, granting them an automatic spot in the Champions League. The European competition has eluded the club for the last 20 years. Newcastle’s remaining fixtures include a home game against second-to-last Leicester before they travel to Chelsea.
During the game against Brighton at St. James’ Park, Brighton striker Deniz Undav had an eventful performance. He unintentionally directed Kieran Trippier’s in-swinging corner into his own net, granting Newcastle the lead in the 23rd minute. Trippier played a crucial role in the second goal as well, delivering a curled free-kick that was headed in by left back Dan Burn in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the first half.
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Undav made amends for his own-goal by capitalising on Billy Gilmour’s defense-splitting pass and reducing the deficit for Brighton in the 51st minute. However, Callum Wilson sealed the victory for Newcastle with a goal in the 89th minute. Two minutes later, he provided Bruno Guimaraes an assist for Newcastle’s fourth goal.
Brighton’s defeat effectively ended their hopes of reaching the top four. Placed sixth, they will need to focus on securing fifth or remain sixth for a chance to qualify for the Europa League.
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Newcastle’s players have likely done enough to secure a place in the Champions League qualification spots. Liverpool, currently four points behind in fifth place, is the only team capable of overtaking them. But the Reds will need to win their remaining two games against Aston Villa and Southampton for a chance to catch up.