On a night of emotion and drama on Tyneside, Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak as AC Milan overcame a late deficit to win at St James’ Park and eliminate them from Europe.
As Joelinton’s thunderbolt in the 33rd minute put the Toon Army ahead against Paris St-Germain in Germany, the team was dreaming of a spot in the knockout stages.
The result would have advanced Newcastle over PSG in head-to-head play, but shortly before the hour, the atmosphere quickly changed.
In Germany, teenage Warren Zaire-Emery tied the score for the French champions, and Christian Pulisic, a former forward for Chelsea, tied it for Milan.
Rafael Leao raced clear for the Italians, but his shot struck the foot of the post. Milan keeper Mike Maignan did a fantastic job of deflecting Bruno Guimaraes’ shot onto the woodwork as both teams pushed for a winner in an open game.
Six minutes from time, Milan launched a vicious counterattack, and substitute Samuel Chukwueze curled a beautiful finish high past Martin Dubravka to seal Newcastle’s fate.
After a hard-fought return to the Champions League, manager Eddie Howe and his players were devastated to find themselves bottom of Group F with not even a spot in the Europa League to cheer them on.
