United net seat at top table after surreal day at St James'

Such an outcome meant that Newcastle would finish fifth and take the final Champions League spot. To think that Newcastle had previously dropped out of the race for 11 agonising minutes after Carlos Alcaraz’s header put Everton in front midway through the second half to stun St James’ into silence.

- By CIARAN KELLY

NEWCASTLE United qualified for the Champions League despite Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Everton at St James’ Park.

Carlos Alcaraz's header secured Everton a final-day win, but the Magpies finished in fifth place after Manchester United beat Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Here are five things we learned from the game.

A SURREAL AFTERNOON ENDS WITH RETURN TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

It was almost surreal. Newcastle were 1-0 down against Everton.

There were just a few minutes left to equalise. Yet there was a reason why defiant Geordies were breaking into a rendition of: “Is this the way to Barcelona? Bayern Munich, Lazio, Roma. Geordie boys are taking over! The Champions League awaits for me.”

News of events elsewhere had spread across the stadium after Manchester United went 2-0 up against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

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