Newcastle flitted between the Champions League, Europa League and complete European elimination on a dynamic night at St. James’ Park.
Ultimately, they ended up out of Europe altogether as a result of their 2 – 1 loss to A.C Milan. Both Newcastle and Milan entered the game needing a win and PSG to drop points against Dortmund.
The 1-1 draw between Dortmund and PSG means both teams qualify, Milan finish 3rd, and Newcastle finish bottom of the group.
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In the first half, it looked as if the Magpies might pull off an unlikely escape from the group. They took the lead thanks to a fantastic Joelinton strike from the edge of the box on 33 minutes.
The second half saw things begin to slip away, though. The Stadium began to erupt as the crowd found out Dortmund had taken the lead against PSG on 51 minutes. It looked like it might just be Newcastle’s night.
However, it was short lived as Warren Zaïre-Emery equalised for PSG on 56 minutes. Three minutes later on Tyneside, Christian Pulisic made it 1 – 1 for A.C Milan.
With both teams needing to win, the game became open and both sides had chances to equalise. Milan hit the post twice through Leao and Tomori. Meanwhile, more accuracy between Almerion and Wilson might have seen Newcastle score.
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Substitute Samuel Chukwueze made it 2 – 1 to Milan on 89 minutes and with that, the Toon’s dream faded away.
Despite finishing bottom, this experience will stand Newcaslte in good stead. In their first season back in the Champions League, they earned draws away at Milan and PSG. As well as that, they thrashed PSG 4 – 1 at home. In Milan, Dortmund and Paris, you couldn’t ask for three better Champions League away days.
Eddie Howe will now be focussed on the league, and ensuring they get a second bite of the cherry next season.
