Chelsea were left contemplating the prospect of having to win this season's Champions League in order to qualify for next term's edition after a 2-0 defeat by Newcastle on Wednesday night.
Newcastle striker Papiss Demba Cisse made it 13 goals in 12 games as he struck twice for the visitors at Stamford Bridge.
Defeat left Chelsea four points adrift of both fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who won 4-1 away to Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle, who trail Spurs on goal difference alone.
There are just two Premier League games of the season remaining.