Soccer

Newcastle suffer Champions League heartbreak as AC Milan defeat ends Euro dream

In pictures: Newcastle v Milan

Newcastle United’s dream European campaign was dramatically cut short as AC Milan came from behind to win 2-1 at St James’ Park on Wednesday night. The Magpies needed to beat Milan for any chance of progressing into the Champions League knockout stages but ended the night rock bottom of Group F.

Joelinton opened the scoring with a stunner in the 33rd minute, and Newcastle’s jubilation heightened when Borussia Dortmund took the lead against Paris Saint-Germain in Germany.

However, Christian Pulisic’s equaliser on the hour mark halted the celebrations, and Samuel Chukwueze scored just moments after entering the pitch late on to turn the Magpies’ dream into a nightmare.

Express Sport runs through the four talking points after Newcastle cruelly missed out on Champions League and Europa League knockout football.

Joelinton continues hot streak

Joelinton looked like he sent Newcastle on their way to a memorable European night with a stunning strike that left Mike Maignan with no chance.

He has proven to be well worth the £40m the Magpies splashed for his signature in 2019 after starting his refined midfield role under Eddie Howe.

The Brazilian has scored three goals in his last six appearances, pointing towards the all-round ability he’s contributing to the side.

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No Europa League for Newcastle

Newcastle will have entered the game hoping for Europa League football at least, which would’ve been just as much of an achievement as progressing in the Champions League.

But Chukwueze’s surprising late dagger saw Howe’s side crash out of Europe entirely – a nightmare outcome.

One positive Newcastle will take from their exit is bound to be injury management. Howe will hope the decreased workload will help the Magpies finish the domestic campaign with a flourish.

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Milan end England hoodoo

Ahead of kick-off, Milan had won just one of their 21 major European matches on English turf, beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in February 2005.

That looked set to become 22 when Joelinton fired the hosts ahead on Tyneside, but the shock turnaround ended their hoodoo.

Milan had only scored three goals in the Champions League this term ahead of their trip to Newcastle, making the second-half turnaround all the more shocking.

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