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I thought that I would put together a celebration of European football, the involvement of North East clubs down the years.

The return of Newcastle United to the Champions League for a second time in the space of three years has of course prompted countless headlines.

However, both Middlesbrough and Sunderland have also contributed in the past to this history of European football when it comes to the North East.

So what has been the experience of our region when it comes to European football throughout the history of the big three North East clubs?

Well, I have gone back through the seasons and produced the findings below.

Including all matches played in the Champions League (previously known as the European Cup), Europa League (previously the Fairs Cup and then UEFA Cup), Cup Winners Cup, Europa Conference League and Intertoto.

I did though draw the line at including the likes of the Anglo-Italian…

European football history of the North East (up to 23 February 2026):

Total number of matches played

Newcastle United – 149 Middlesbrough – 25

Sunderland – 4

Trophies won

Newcastle United – 1 Middlesbrough – 0

Sunderland – 0

Number of seasons...