Newcastle were left heartbroken after Samuel Chukwueze’s late winner condemned them to a 2-1 defeat by AC Milan and a premature exit from the Champions League on Wednesday.
While victory wasn’t enough for the Rossoneri to secure their own Champions League progression, it did see them leapfrog Newcastle to claim the Europa League spot in Group F.
Ravaged by injuries, fatigue finally took its toll on the Magpies, who have now lost three consecutive games in all competitions. Manager Eddie Howe pointed to a lack of squad depth as the primary reason for their failure to build on their impressive start to the group.
“We gave everything to the match,” said Howe. “I can’t ask for anything more (in terms of) commitment, effort, physical exertion. Unfortunately for us it wasn’t to be,” he added.
“Probably not our best technical performance but we did create chances on the night. We’re devastated not to go through.”
Milan coach Stefano Pioli echoed Howe’s sentiments, expressing disappointment at their elimination from the Champions League.
“We’re disappointed to have ended our run in the Champions League,” said Pioli. “We knew the group was tough but I believe we deserved more –- we should have taken our chances in the other games.”
Despite playing with a depleted squad, Milan started brightly. Fikayo Tomori, the only fit central defender available to Pioli, produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Miguel Almiron an early opener.
Newcastle’s pressure finally paid off with a spectacular goal before half-time. Anthony Gordon’s surging run through the Milan midfield created the opportunity for Lewis Miley to find Joelinton, who unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner.
News of Dortmund’s equalizer against PSG at the start of the second half electrified the already charged St. James’ Park. However, the atmosphere quickly soured as Milan mounted a dramatic comeback.
Within minutes of each other, PSG equalized in Germany and Milan drew level themselves. The Rossoneri capitalized on Newcastle’s failure to deal with Rafael Leao’s cross, with Olivier Giroud setting up Christian Pulisic for a clinical finish on his return to English soil.
The end-to-end action continued as both teams desperately sought a winner. Mike Maignan produced a spectacular save to deny Bruno Guimaraes, while Leao missed a golden opportunity to bury Newcastle’s Champions League dreams when he hit the post.
However, Milan were more clinical with their next chance. Substitute Chukwueze curled a brilliant effort into the far corner six minutes from time, sending the Rossoneri fans into raptures.
The Italians had further opportunities to add to their lead in stoppage time, but Theo Hernandez and Tomori were both guilty of missing open goals.
While Milan’s Champions League aspirations were ultimately dashed, their victory on the night ensured they will continue their European campaign in the Europa League in 2024.
Despite their disappointment, Newcastle can take some positives from their first Champions League campaign in 20 years. Their impressive start to the group stage demonstrated their potential on the European stage, and with a deeper squad, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
