On Wednesday, AC Milan secured a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park, but both AC Milan and Newcastle faced elimination from the Champions League. This result meant that Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé advanced to the round of 16.
Despite the loss, AC Milan secured a consolation prize by dropping into the Europa League playoff round. Samuel Chukwueze’s 84th-minute winner lifted last season’s Champions League semifinalist above Newcastle into third place in Group F.
While both AC Milan and PSG finished with eight points after the six group games, AC Milan fell behind PSG due to an inferior head-to-head record. Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign in 20 years, under new Saudi ownership, ended in disappointment as they finished at the bottom of a challenging group, exiting European competition altogether.
Newcastle’s elimination is a setback for the club with aspirations of disrupting the established elite, particularly following its 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Despite this season’s disappointment, Newcastle is anticipated to become a force in European soccer in the years to come.
Newcastle had an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stage with a win against PSG, especially since the French team drew 1-1 at Borussia Dortmund. Joelinton gave Newcastle the lead in the 33rd minute with a powerful drive, but Pulisic equalized after Olivier Giroud’s excellent pass.
Although Rafael Leao struck a shot against the post, Chukwueze, on as a substitute for just 68 seconds, secured the winning goal on the break with a curling finish.
Milan coach Stefan Pioli expressed disappointment, saying, “We knew the group was tough but I believe we deserved more — we should have taken our chances in the other games.” AC Milan, a seven-time European champion, has never won the Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup.
Newcastle had a moment to change the outcome when AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a crucial save, tipping a goalbound shot from Bruno Guimaraes onto the crossbar.
With only Manchester City and Arsenal advancing to the round of 16, this marks a relatively weak performance for the Premier League in the Champions League round-of-16 draw.
