Marítimo 0, Newcastle 0 (twice, nearly)
By Paulo Áureo
In autumn 2012 Marítimo played in the Europa League group stage, in a group with Bordeaux, Newcastle United and Club Brugge. For a club from an island of a quarter of a million people, that is already a story.
On 20 September Newcastle came to Funchal and left with 0–0. On 22 November Marítimo went to St James’ Park and drew 1–1. In between they drew with Bordeaux at home, lost in Bruges and Bordeaux, and on 6 December beat Club Brugge 2–1 in Funchal.
Six points, third place, out of the competition, and two draws against a Premier League club that their fans still bring up.
Sources: UEFA, Newcastle progress despite draw with Marítimo, Wikipedia, 2012–13 UEFA Europa League group stage