Twenty-four hours after Old Trafford dozed towards its latest nightmare, here was an occasion to liven the soul. It was not the outcome they wanted, but St James’ Park threatened for so long to be the real Theatre of Dreams.
A quote from Sir Bobby Robson served as inspiration on kick-off. ‘It’s not beyond our wildest dreams, because we did have wild dreams’.
The former Newcastle boss had said that 20 years ago when, in this competition, his side played against Barcelona in the Nou Camp. His words were recreated on a giant flag in the Gallowgate End, and what followed for the opening hour was a giant of a performance, on the pitch and in the stands.