Newcastle United and Belgium – Stella and Moules-Frites aren’t the only positives

Two of my very favourite things, Belgium and Newcastle United.

A great country to visit.

What could be better than Stella and  Moules-Frites (Mussels and Fries)?

Well, over in Belgium, they of course have an endless range of lagers/beers superior to Stella, which dominates the UK market.

Enough of my drinking habits though.

We also have Belgium to thank for Philippe Albert, like their range of alcohol a real quality  homegrown product who was exported to Tyneside.

Another thing we have to thank Belgium for, is past Newcastle United adventures in European competitions.

A quite remarkable record…

Magpies v Belgian opposition – all time:

Anderlecht 2 Newcastle 0 (1969/70 Fairs Cup)

Newcastle 3 Anderlecht 1 (1969/70 Fairs Cup)

Antwerp 0 Newcastle 5 (1944/95 UEFA Cup)

Newcastle 5 Antwerp 2 (1944/95 UEFA Cup)

Lokeren 0 Newcastle 4 (2001/02 Intertoto)

Newcastle 1 Lokeren 0 (2001/02 Intertoto)

Waregem 1 Newcastle 3 (2006/07 UEFA Cup)

Newcastle 1 Waregem 0 (2006/07 UEFA Cup)

Newcastle 1 Club Brugge 0 (2012/13 Europa League)

Club Brugge 2 Newcastle 2 (2012/13 Europa League)

Have Newcastle United got a better record in Europe against another country’s clubs?

After losing in that very first match away at Anderlecht, Newcastle United unbeaten, winning their next eight and then that most recent draw away to Club Brugge.

Here’s hoping my Belgian positivity doesn’t take a hit tonight…