13 December 2023 , 22:45
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For 59 minutes, one of the great European nights of Newcastle’s history.
Joelinton’s goal and a place in the last 16 was in their hands. Then another ‘if only’, another near miss, to add to the growing list. Newcastle is a club climbing the ladder of the elite rapidly and not looking out of place… but also not getting the job done. See also the Carabao Cup final last season. Or the PSG game two weeks ago.
The story of Newcastle’s return to the Champions League will be one of adventure and encouragement for the future, but also regrets. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze’s 84th minute goal not only ended their chance of staying in the Champions League – it dumped United out of Europe altogether.
Not even the consolation of third place in Group F, and the Europa League. Fourth place, just like Manchester United. Not a great showing from Premier League sides.
It was high-wire footballing drama in the last half hour. Newcastle took a Champions League or bust attitude. They chased the winner which would have got them through, and hung the consequences at the back. It looked a bit naive.
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Newcastle’s lead was squandered when Christian Pulisic scored just before the hour. Meanwhile, the game in Germany between Dortmund and PSG was swinging this way and that.
Both teams hit the woodwork on Tyneside. Footballing jeopardy being played out at the top level and two sides grasping for a lifeline.
Christian Pulisic equalised for AC Milan (Getty Images)It was settled six minutes from time by Chukwueze’s strike. And let’s have no self-consoling nonsense on Tyneside claiming never mind, we’ll be back. Getting back here will take a monumental effort in the league.
The Geordies stood to be £15million richer for reaching the last 16, so the finances have taken a hit too, and they’ve racked up three losses in a row. Howe’s call for a magical European night and for the St James’ crowd to be at their noisiest was answered.
The build-up was electric. A giant banner reading: “It’s not beyond our wildest dreams, because we did have wild dreams,” summed up ambition. Newcastle were in control early on. Enough flaws in Milan’s form and confidence were appearing to give Newcastle renewed hope after shipping seven goals and losing their last two Premier League games.
They deserved to take the lead through their Brazilian hardman Joelinton. He missed the early games of the campaign through injury, but made up for it with a thumping half volley in the 34th minute. He exchanged passes with Gordon and smashed into the top corner rocking Milan. It was Joelinton’s third of the season and second in four days.
His celebration was reminiscent of Eric Cantona, standing still and looking round at the crowd soaking it in. Then he sprinted to the bench and celebrated with Eddie Howe.
At this stage Newcastle had what they needed, but in Dortmund PSG were chasing the win with Kylian Mbappe hitting the woodwork and having a chance cleared off the line. Dortmund scored, to a Toon ovation as news spread. Then PSG pulled one back and it was all in the balance, on Tyneside and in Germany.
Joelinton's stunning opener counted for nothing (Getty Images)The visitors got a foothold after the break. Christian Pulisic struck and the result in Germany was irrelevant. A draw was not enough. Yunus Musah crossed from the left, Newcastle failed to clear and Olivier Giroud nudged a deft lay off to Pulisic to finish from close range.
United chased the winner bravely, leaving gaps at the back. Bruno Guimaraes had a shot tipped onto the bar on 68 minutes as the Toon regained some momentum. The scoreboard showed PSG had scored. All over. Then it was disallowed. Cheers! A campaign still in the balance.
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A Toon winner was needed. Leao went clear through, but fluffed his shot onto the post. Drama. Then disappointment. The last word, and the winner, went to Milan. Howe has to regroup, and stop this season spiralling further downward.