Newcastle finish bottom of Champions League Group

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

Newcastle United crash out of Europe after losing 2-1 at home to AC Milan

It was win or bust for United and the home crowd did their part to try to help their side continue the European adventure.

The Magpies started the game like they meant business with a high tempo that the Italians didn’t seem able to cope with. Joe Linton came close with a few efforts and Milan goalkeeper Maignan was kept busy in the first half an hour.

The home side’s efforts finally paid off in the 33rd minute – Gorgan gave the ball to Miley who quickly got it back inside to Linton who smashed it into the Milan net from 20 years out giving newcastle one foot into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The second half started with Newcastle seemingly in two minds on whether to get the second goal or to defend their slender lead. In the 59th minute their lead disappeared when Pulisic smashed it into the Newcastle net when the ball broke to him around six yards out after a deflection.

This woke up Newcastle and they were on the attack again with Bruno Guimaraes unlucky with a great effort from 20 yards out that took a great save from Milan goalkeeper Maignan who tipped it on to the bar to keep the score at 1-1.

However as the match draw to a close, Milan broke quickly on the counter attack in the 84th minute and Chukwueze cooly put it past Slovak keeper Dubravka to break Newcastle’s hearts.

Milan kept their nerve in a cauldron of an atmosphere and somehow held on to beat Newcastle who for so long in the game had looked the better team.

From having one foot in the last 16 of the Champions League to having the consolation of Europa League football after Christmas, Newcastle suddenly found themselves crashing out of Europe in last place in their difficult group. The 1-1 draw between PSG & Borussia Dortmund meamt Milan had to settle for third place and Europa League football in the spring.

Milan just kept their nerve in a cauldron of an atmosphere and somehow held on to beat Newcastle who for so long in the game had looked the better team