Newcastle United’s hopes in the Champions League and European competition were shattered on Wednesday night as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Milan at home.
Joelinton’s powerful strike from inside the box gave Newcastle a well-deserved lead at halftime, with Milan struggling to create significant opportunities. However, Christian Pulisic equalized after the break, and Samuel Chukwueze completed a stunning comeback late in the game.
Despite Paris Saint-Germain managing only a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the other group match, a victory for Newcastle would have secured their spot in the knockout stages. Unfortunately, they also missed out on a Europa League berth, which went to Milan.
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The unfolding of the game saw Newcastle relying on a favorable outcome in the PSG vs. Dortmund match. The lively atmosphere at St James’ Park boosted the Magpies, but it took until the 20th minute for their first clear chance. Joelinton’s shot was cleared off the line by Fikayo Tomori after being set up by Kieran Trippier.
While Milan’s Rafael Leao had an early attempt, it was Joelinton who broke the deadlock with a powerful right-footed shot that eluded Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.
Milan entered the second half with the urgency to improve, and they leveled the score just over ten minutes in. Olivier Giroud laid off a miscued effort by Tomori to Pulisic, who scored from close range.
Newcastle came close to regaining the lead when Bruno Guimaraes struck the crossbar with an impressive shot. Milan’s Leao also had an opportunity, hitting the post in a one-on-one with Martin Dubravka.
In the final moments, as Newcastle pressed for a crucial winner, they were caught on the counter-attack by Milan. Substitute Chukwueze, only on the pitch for a few minutes, curled a superb left-footed strike past Dubravka to seal the victory for Milan.
Despite a valiant effort, Newcastle’s defeat ended their European campaign, with Milan securing third place and a spot in the Europa League.