Alan Shearer saw his European dream in 2005 when United lost in the Portugal capital to Sporting Lisbon.
Steven Taylor appeared that evening, and had to endure the torment of having a UEFA Cup semifinal spot taken away from them in the final 20 minutes against Sporting.
In the first leg a header from Alan Shearer eight minutes before half-time secured a lead going into the return fixture. Yet, despite scoring an away goal a week later, three Sporting goals in the closing stages knocked the Magpies out.
Once again dreams of ending a long wait for major silverware ended in disappointment; a disappointment compounded days later when they lost a FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium.
Alan Shearer: “No-one has to remind me what happened the last time Newcastle played there.
“We travelled over to Lisbon with high hopes of going all the way but not only did we go out to them, we lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup as well. That was hard to take, one of the worst weeks I had as a footballer.
“Fortunately, they’ve got the home leg second this time which is a big bonus. If they can come back with a decent result, then there will be a full house at St James’ Park and that is bound to help.
“It did bring back all those memories when the draw was made but the first thing I thought of was they were lucky to get the second leg at home this time because that is to their advantage.
“Ahead of that game against Sporting, I really thought that was our best chance of winning silverware for this club.
When you look at the teams that were left in the competition, there was no one who really stood out so I have to say, that was a great opportunity missed.
“We won the first leg and went ahead there so were two-up on aggregate. I remember in the first 15 minutes and Kieron went through one on one with their keeper and missed and had that gone in, it might have been a different story – so let’s all blame Kieron Dyer!
“They have got a good chance.
“The additions made in January have made all the difference and these days, I expect them to win most games they play."
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
