Newcastle United’s journey in the Champions League came to an end after they suffered a 2-1 defeat against AC Milan at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
The French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, secured second place in Group F with a 1-1 draw away to Borussia Dortmund, meaning that victory was insufficient for the semi-finalists from the previous season to advance.
However, Milan managed to steal the Magpies’ only solace—a spot in the Europa League—after their first Champions League campaign in 20 years ended in defeat.
Newcastle has now lost three straight games across all competitions as a result of fatigue and a long list of injuries.
“We gave everything to the match. I can’t ask for anything more (in terms of) commitment, effort, physical exertion. Unfortunately for us it wasn’t to be,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
“Probably not our best technical performance but we did create chances on the night. We’re devastated not to go through.”
Howe blamed his team’s inability to build on a stellar start to the group for their inability to improve after having to start the last five games with the same 10 outfield players due to a lack of options.
Newcastle defeated PSG 4-1 at home after a scoreless draw in Milan.
However, they only managed one point from their last four games, which put them at the bottom of the group.
“The value of the squad, that’s what exposed us,” added Howe. “We haven’t had the ability to utilise the squad we created, that’s been a big frustration for us.”
An injury crisis has also hindered Milan, and under-fire coach Stefano Pioli lamented not taking more chances early in the group.
“We’re disappointed to have ended our run in the Champions League,” said Pioli. “We knew the group was tough but I believe we deserved more –- we should have taken our chances in the other games.”
The only available fit central defender for Pioli was Fikayo Tomori, who prevented his team from falling behind right away.
The England international stopped Miguel Almiron from putting Joelinton’s cross in with a spectacular last-ditch tackle on his own goal line.
Before halftime, though, Newcastle’s pressure paid off with a spectacular opening goal.
After Anthony Gordon broke through the Milan defence, Lewis Miley returned the ball and Joelinton finished with a lovely shot into the top corner.
To advance, Newcastle had to win in Dortmund and hope that PSG lost.
When word reached the home crowd about Dortmund’s opening goal against PSG at the beginning of the second half, the already electrifying atmosphere grew even more intense.
But two goals in the space of a few minutes altered the tone of another compelling Group F match.
In Germany, PSG tied the score before Milan did the same.
After returning to England, Christian Pulisic scored a goal after Olivier Giroud’s left-wing cross was not dealt with by Newcastle.
In the last moments, the match raged from end to end, with a draw that was bad for both sides.
Mike Maignan, the Milan custodian, made an incredible save to deflect Bruno Guimaraes’ shot over the bar.
Leao, on the other hand, had only Martin Dubravka to beat when he struck the post, killing Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Six minutes remaining, substitute Chukwueze curled brilliantly into the far corner, demonstrating Milan’s more merciless approach.
In stoppage time, with a stretched Newcastle growing more and more ragged, the Italians ought to have increased their lead.
Dubravka had advanced for a corner, and Theo Hernandez squandered a clear opportunity to score.
Then, on the counterattack, Tomori ran forward and hit the post.
However, Milan performed well enough that evening, if not throughout the group, to guarantee that they will at least have European football to look forward to in 2024.
Photo by EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN
