Manchester United and Newcastle experienced a lackluster run in this season’s Champions League, culminating in their untimely elimination. Their disappointing performances have carved a disheartening record in Premier League history in the top European competition.
As the curtains draw on the group stages of the Champions League, the spotlight shifts to the qualified teams awaiting the Monday draw for the knockout pairings in Nyon, Switzerland. However, the English representation this season has left a blemish on the Premier League‘s otherwise notable track record in European competitions.
For both Manchester United and Newcastle, their journey came to an abrupt halt, finishing at the bottom of their respective groups. This simultaneous exit marks an unprecedented low for English clubs in the Champions League. Never before have two Premier League sides finished in the last place of their groups in the competition’s history, signaling an unexpected downturn in their European endeavors.
This unforeseen outcome now joins a limited roster of instances where English clubs stumbled at the group stages. Previously, Blackburn (1995-1996), Manchester United (2005-2006), and Manchester City (2012-2013) faced a similar fate, exiting the tournament as group runners-up.
Newcastle’s recent loss to Milan further compounds this situation, cementing their position among the unfortunate few English clubs who have faced an early exit in the Champions League group stages. As the draw for the knockout phase looms, it’s a moment of reflection for the Premier League, pondering the unforeseen turn of events in this year’s prestigious tournament.
