Sure, Manchester City were expectedly dominant, winning every single Champions League group stage game. However, besides them and Arsenal, the other two Premier League teams in Europe’s elite competition were deplorable, ending their journey in last place.Manchester United and Newcastle United finish their European campaign at the bottom, thus staying away even from the Europa League knockout stage.On the other hand, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad all won their respective UCL groups dominantly. The only La Liga side that disappointed and was shown the exit doors were Sevilla.Newcastle imebanduliwa nje ya michuano ya Klabu Bingwa Uropa baada ya kichapo cha magoli 2 kwa 1 kutoka kwa AC Milan. #UCL pic.twitter.com/YRFTLZeNSt— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) December 14, 2023 This sort of outcome definitely raises a question or two about the quality of the Premier League compared to La Liga, as it was thought for a long time that the English top tier is above its Spanish counterpart.However, only two remaining clubs in Europe’s showpiece competition prove that the EPL obviously lacks balance. Those heavyweights like Man City, Liverpool (currently playing in the UEL), and Arsenal seem capable of fighting for the silverware against the Spanish and other rivals, but that’s about it. ##NAJAVA_MECA_37412##And while Eddie Howe’s Magpies can look for excuses like inexperience and the fact they were placed in the deadliest possible group (Dortmund, PSG and AC Milan), there’s just no silver lining for this Man Utd’s ULC campaign.Falling behind Galatasaray and Copenhagen is something that probably the majority of United’s fans can’t get their head around. The Red Devils conceded 15 goals in the process, displaying a level of football that is not even neck and neck with the ones from Turkey and Denmark.After only one shot on goal: ‘We played good’!Unlike United’s boss Erik ten Hag, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was honest about his feelings after the excruciating exit.”I’m desperately disappointed. It’s tough to take,” said Howe.Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2002-03 by finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.They have suffered multiple injury problems this season and could only name seven subs – to Milan’s 11.”We’ve learned a lot,” said Howe. “We went into this season knowing the power of the squad and how important that would be, but unfortunately, we lost that power and ultimately, we went into Champions League games with very few options.”Leagues with the most clubs in the round of 16:- La Liga: 4- Serie A: 3- Bundesliga: 3- Premier League: 2 pic.twitter.com/MS4lNKkKkF— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 13, 2023 Howe added: “I feel for the players. I’ve seen what they have given and how committed they have been. I can’t fault them at all.”It is painful for me and for them because I know how professional they are and how they want to achieve success.”Any time you don’t achieve what you want and have a setback and disappointment you have to use it as fuel. That has always been my way.”The pain you feel now is motivation for tomorrow and now we have to focus on the Premier League.”For me there is nothing but positive thoughts about the team and what they are giving, but now we have to make sure we are consistent in the Premier League.”
