Newcastle secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years with a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Leicester, whose fate is now out of their hands.
Eddie Howe’s side failed to break the deadlock in a match they dominated, hitting the post three times, but the result was enough for the Magpies to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.
Newcastle are four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool heading into Sunday’s final day of the season, while Leicester remain in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.
The hosts had 78% possession throughout the contest and initially struggled to break in, but Callum Wilson’s effort against the post saw his follow-up effort cleared off the line by Wilfred Ndidi.
Three minutes before half-time the hosts struck at the post again through Miguel Almiron, while in the second half visiting goalkeeper Daniel Iverson acrobatically tipped away Aleksandar Isak’s effort from distance.
Bruno Guimaraes also hit the woodwork with a header near the goal line in the second period, but Leicester almost won it in injury time when Nick Pope kept out Timothy Castagan’s acrobatic effort.
Foxes boss Dan Smith started England internationals James Maddison and Harvey Barnes on the bench but neither could provide any inspiration in their slow performances.
Toon back in the big time
It was the 2002–03 season, under legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson, when Newcastle last played in Europe’s elite club competition.
Howe’s men will return to the big time after an impressive first full season in charge which saw the former Bournemouth boss upset the establishment with a top four finish as well as a run to the Carabao Cup final.
It is a remarkable turnaround since Howe took charge 18 months ago, a month after the £305m takeover by Saudi Arabia-backed Newcastle and five points with the club from safety at the foot of the Premier League.
The home fans created a great atmosphere before kick-off, waving their flags and a huge Howe and team banner, and although they failed to break the deadlock, they left the stadium singing about Champions League football. gone.
Wilson, who had scored 11 goals in his last 10 games prior to the contest, came within inches of adding to his tally, while Almiron and Guimaraes also came close.
The Brazilian midfielder, though, was lucky to be on the pitch after only receiving a yellow card for a studs-high challenge on the knee of Leicester midfielder Bobkri Soumare.
Newcastle aim to finish their successful season on a high on Sunday, facing Chelsea in the hope of finishing third.
Leicester left wondering
Leicester host West Ham on the final day hoping to put the ball away with the Hammers securing their top-flight spot and the Europa League final to look forward to.
But they go into the game knowing that a win will not be enough as 17th-placed Everton can guarantee their Premier League status with victory over Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
Newcastle’s result extends Leicester’s run to just one win in their last 15 games, picking up just seven points during that run, and they are favorites to join Southampton in the second tier.
Supporters will be left wondering how the match could have ended if key players Maddison and Barnes had started instead of being left on the bench.
Castagne’s acrobatic effort in the 92nd minute almost sealed a shock victory, but their defense at least managed to keep their first clean sheet in the league since November.
