Sport 26-11-2004 Magpies Through To Final 32 who: Newcastle United what: Beat Sochaux 0-4 in UEFA Cup Group D where: France when: Last night snippet: "Middlesbrough were denied the point they needed to move into the knockout stage of the Uefa Cup by a classy Villarreal side," says the BBC after Boro lost 2-0 in Valencia on the night their neighbours from the north east of England guaranteed their place. Nevertheless, says The Telegraph`s William Johnson, "it will need an unlikely combination of results from the remaining Group E fixtures to prevent them from claiming one of the three qualifying places". "Fears that Boro`s black stars would be subjected to racist chants did not materialise as Boro became the first English side to face a Spanish crowd since abuse directed at England`s players in the Nou Camp last week," notes The Mirror. "The home fans even applauded the stadium announcer warning against any racist chants." In France, Newcastle United - unbeaten in Group D - romped to a 0-4 victory over Sochaux, securing their place in the last 32 of the competition courtesy of goals from Lee Bowyer, Shola Ameobi, Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert. "A yellow card for Bowyer ensures his suspension for the final fixture," points out George Caulkin in The Times, "although the visit of Sporting Lisbon to St James` Park next month is little more than an irrelevance." Meanwhile, Heart of Midlothian gave themselves a much-needed boost in Switzerland when they beat Swiss champions Basle (or, if you prefer, Basel) 1-2 in Group A. "A first-half goal from Dennis Wyness had put them on course to emulate last year`s dramatic triumph in Bordeaux," says The Scotsman. Robbie Neilson cancelled out Cesar Carignano`s 76th minute equaliser to snatch "an improbable victory a minute from time". Back in Scotland, Rangers "all but guaranteed their qualification from the group stage" by beating Austria`s Grazer AK 3-0 at Ibrox in Group F, says The Telegraph. [... more]

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