Newcastle United's players entered St James' Park into an atmosphere at boiling point with a message stretched across the entire length of the famous Gallowgate End outlining what was at stake.
"You Entered The Pitch As Players. You Left It As Legends" was emblazoned on a giant banner as the club's quest to reach the Champions League went to the final stages against Everton.
Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe got there in the end to go some way towards that status – but it did not go smoothly as hoped.
Howe's side were a pale shadow of their usual vibrant selves as Everton shut out the deafening noise sweeping down from the Toon Army to deservedly win 1-0, Newcastle riddled with nerves and tension throughout, the mood spreading to the stands.