It was exactly 20 years ago that Newcastle United enjoyed their most memorable European night and, on full-time here, they were back in the Champions League places.
Tino Asprilla’s hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Barcelona marked the club’s debut in the continent’s premier competition in 1997.
Two decades on and are they dreaming of a return? Not likely, although they will enjoy their lofty standing while it lasts, especially after a summer of discontent as manager Rafa Benitez waged war on owner Mike Ashley and his reluctance to spend more on the playing squad.
Perhaps Ashley was right, this team did not need in excess of the £40million invested since last season’s promotion to ensure survival this time around.