The Magpies, in the group stage for the first time since 2002-03, face three sides who have all at least reached the final in the past 16 years.

Newcastle’s long-awaited return to Europe’s elite competition has been much anticipated after they finished fourth in the Premier League last season – but their draw could barely have been more difficult.

Manchester United will play Bayern Munich, while holders Manchester City are in the same group as RB Leipzig.

Arsenal, also back in the competition for the first time since 2016-17, will face PSV Eindhoven and French club RC Lens, along with Europa League winners Sevilla in Group B.

Manchester City’s draw looks relatively kind by contrast, with RB Leipzig, Swiss side Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade, who won the European Cup in 1991, joining them in Group G.

Manchester United have been drawn against German champions Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 1999 final, with FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray also making up Group A.

Along with Atletico Madrid, Celtic will play Lazio and Dutch champions Feyenoord in Group E.