Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak on a night of emotion and drama on Tyneside, with AC Milan staging a comeback victory at St James’ Park, ultimately eliminating them from European competition.
The Toon Army dared to dream of advancing to the knockout stages as Joelinton’s 33rd-minute thunderbolt put them ahead, while Borussia Dortmund led against Paris St-Germain in Germany.
Hope hung in the balance as this scenario would have propelled Newcastle through on head-to-head results against PSG. However, the tide turned just before the hour mark. Teenager Warren Zaire-Emery equalized for the French champions, and former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic leveled for Milan.
In the quest for a decisive goal in this open contest, Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a remarkable save, deflecting Bruno Guimaraes’ shot onto the woodwork. Meanwhile, Rafael Leao, for the Italians, had a clear chance but hit the post.
Newcastle’s destiny was sealed six minutes from time when Milan capitalized ruthlessly on the counter-attack. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze curled in a superb finish beyond Martin Dubravka, leaving manager Eddie Howe and his players devastated.
Their hard-fought return to the Champions League concluded with them finishing at the bottom of Group F, without even the consolation of a place in the Europa League.
Newcastle regret what might have been
As the half-time whistle echoed through a resounding cheer in Tyneside, Newcastle seemed poised for the Champions League last 16. However, the conclusion of a dramatic second half saw them completely ousted from European contention.
This encapsulated the unpredictable turns of fate on a night when attention was split between the happenings at St James’ Park and events in Germany, closely monitored for their impact on Newcastle’s destiny.
The outcome for Newcastle was no longer within their control, a consequence of the contentious stoppage-time penalty that resulted in a draw for PSG in Paris two weeks prior. Nevertheless, they were upholding their end of the deal by dominating an uninspired AC Milan side, seemingly overwhelmed by their opponents’ intensity and the electric atmosphere.
The challenge lay in the fact that Newcastle teetered on the brink throughout, and as events unfolded—first with PSG scoring in Germany and then Milan finding the net on Tyneside—it marked the commencement of their downfall.
Despite dominating possession, Newcastle failed to capitalize on their opportunities, paying the price for employing a high-risk strategy in their pursuit of victory and advancement.
Their campaign, highlighted by the glory of a 4-1 triumph over PSG in Newcastle’s first Champions League home game in two decades, fell short. Key moments, including a pivotal home defeat to Dortmund, a decisive penalty in Paris, and this loss to Milan, defined their journey.
Although finishing at the bottom of their group, Newcastle performed admirably, but this experience proved to be a harsh lesson in the realities of top-tier competition.
Howe must lift broken Newcastle
A moment of silence and disbelief enveloped the atmosphere as the harsh reality of Newcastle’s elimination from European football sank in.
Anticipating a potential journey into the prestigious and financially lucrative Champions League knockout phase, Newcastle’s hopes were dashed, leaving them beaten and visibly deflated after a challenging week.
Having succumbed to Everton and Tottenham before the defeat to Milan, initially perceived as a smash-and-grab, the Italians ultimately missed opportunities, hitting the post twice as Newcastle pursued an unlikely comeback.
Much like in their previous Premier League encounters, Newcastle appeared fatigued at the final whistle. Manager Eddie Howe now faces the daunting task of revitalizing a weary squad, hindered by injuries and lacking depth, with the goal of securing a spot in the Premier League’s top four next season. The challenge is not only to regain their strength but also to demonstrate that they have learned from this experience.
There is no solace in the manner of Newcastle’s downfall, and Howe confronts a formidable challenge in lifting the team’s spirits for the challenges that lie ahead.