Well, the Brunos, as I immediately dubbed the boys, did us proud | OneFootball

The news on Friday morning regarding the UEFA coefficient is very encouraging, an informative article by John Martin (Now ‘virtually impossible’ for the Premier League not to get Champions League extra fifth place) pointing out that the position of the English teams is very strong indeed and a fifth Champions League spot for an English team is almost guaranteed.

However, for me the prospect of a possible place for the Toon, if we can clinch a place in the top fifth, is tinged slightly with sadness.

No, not because the English lead has been strengthened by a pretty jammy Man Utd win over Alexander Isak’s ex colleagues from San Sebastián or the Spuds’ even more spawny victory against a wasteful AZ Alkmaar.

Much as I can revel in the misfortunes of any of the Septic Six when they are beaten, I always support the British teams against European opposition – especially this season when we need every Champions League place we can muster for English teams (in other words, “us”). Fortunately, our neighbours on Wearside haven’t forced me to test the limits of that policy.

No, my tinge of disappointment comes as a result of my adopted Portuguese team, Los Conquistadors aka Vitória Guimaraes, being knocked out of the Conference League by Real Betis. My dreams of Guimaraes v Chelsea in the final shattered.

It’s an oft repeated story as to how I ended up supporting this little known Iberian outfit.

After we finished in a Conference League place at the end of last season we had it annoyingly taken away from us when Man Utd won the FA Cup and shunted Chelsea from the UEFA Cup to the Conference in our place. In frustration, I looked around for someone to follow in Europe other than our Premier League rivals.

My original pick was literally a pub team from Malta – Bruno’s Magpies. A team based on a Maltese bar run by a Geordie family which has developed into a proper Maltese League club. No prizes for guessing why I picked them!

After an exciting run through the qualifying rounds, the plucky Maltese Magpies (if only Dashiell Hammett had known!) were finally dumped out of the competition by Copenhagen – who Chelsea found to be no pushovers in the current Round of 16. Time for the glory hunter to swiftly switch loyalties without a hint of embarrassment.

As I said at the time, “The King is dead – long live the King”. But, like my once yearly horse racing bets, my selection wasn’t going to be anything based on merit – it would be all in the name.

The name that jumped out at me this time had another Bruno, therefore NUFC, connection and it was Vitória Guimaraes. Guimaraes is a small city in Portugal which has the distinction of being the home of the first king of Portugal after whom their stadium, Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, is named.

Well, the Brunos, as I immediately dubbed the boys, did us proud. Travelling far and wide, from Sweden to Slovenia and Kazakhstan, they made their way into the Round of 16 but, as mentioned above, fell victim to a rejuvenated Real Betis. Despite dominating in terms of possession (62%) and accurate passes (a seemingly impressive 500 v a measly 296) the Brunos were sadly lacking at the business end of things, creating no “big chances” and, on this occasion, being walloped 4 – 0 on the night and 6 – 2 on aggregate!

I was surprised at the emphatic nature of Real’s win, although my boys did at least win the yellow card count quite clearly 5 – 2! Not that I’m here to condone violence but at least it shows they must have been trying. Sadly, all to no avail.

Another surprise was to see the name Antony amongst the Betis scorers. Following his assist in the first leg, which ended 2 – 2, he followed up with a goal and an assist on Thursday night. He has now contributed 4 assists and 4 goals in 10 games for Betis following his loan move from Man Utd. Has the little fellow been rejuvenated by being released from the pressure cooker that is Mould Trafford or has he found his level in a less physical league? Time will tell.