Newcastle United Secures Champions League Place After Top-Five Premier League Finish

Newcastle United completed an outstanding season by securing a top-five finish and qualifying for the 2025/26 Champions League, despite a 1-0 loss to Everton on the final day. Their qualification was confirmed thanks to Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, marking a significant progression for the club, which also won the Carabao Cup — its first major trophy since 1955. Manager Eddie Howe praised his squad's resilience and character throughout a campaign marked by ups and downs and emphasized this season as a major achievement that sets high expectations for the future. The season's success is even more remarkable considering the financial stress and uncertainty Newcastle faced last summer, including the threat of a points deduction due to profitability and sustainability rules, which was narrowly avoided. Despite the challenges, the club managed to retain key players and navigate transfer difficulties, ultimately delivering their best season in living memory. Howe also noted the team's improved preparedness for European competition after recent Champions League experience, while Everton's late-season form impressed their manager, David Moyes.