And just like that, Newcastle's latest forage into Champions League football was over.

In a tie that promised so much over three halves of the two legs, Barcelona brutally dispatched Newcastle last month in the second half of their last 16 second leg at the Camp Nou to run out resounding 7-2 winners on the night and end Eddie Howe's side's European challenge for another season.

After 12 games, six wins, three draws and three defeats and pitting their wits against reigning European champions PSG and Spanish champions, Barcelona, Newcastle's run ended at the last 16 stage, mirroring the achievements of Sir Bobby Robson's side of 2002/03.

The experience has left Newcastle wanting more but, with seven games remaining of the Premier League season, their chances of securing Champions League football next season look slim.

They are well within contention to qualify for European football in general next season, though, and that has to be the minimum aim between now and the end of the campaign for the Magpies.

In the latest...