AC Milan secured a spot in the Europa League playoffs with a crucial 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, a result that also ensured Paris Saint-Germain’s advancement to the Champions League round of 16.
Despite finishing level with PSG on eight points in Group F, Milan had to settle for third place due to their inferior head-to-head record against the French team. Christian Pulisic, who scored Milan’s equalizer in the 59th minute, expressed pride in his team’s achievement and looked forward to competing in the Europa League. Pulisic’s goal marked him as the first U.S. international to score for three different teams in the Champions League.
Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign in two decades, and their first under Saudi ownership, concluded with a disappointing bottom-place finish in the group, marking a significant setback for the club with high aspirations.
Joelinton put Newcastle ahead in the 33rd minute with a powerful strike, but Pulisic’s equalizer, assisted by Olivier Giroud, shifted the momentum. Samuel Chukwueze, a substitute for Milan, scored the winning goal in the 84th minute with a curling finish, only 68 seconds after entering the game.
The result was a disappointment for Milan coach Stefan Pioli, who felt his team deserved more from their Champions League campaign. Milan’s European pedigree includes seven European championships and two European Cup Winners’ Cup titles, but they have yet to win the Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup.
The match also highlighted Newcastle’s limitations due to injuries, with manager Eddie Howe acknowledging the challenges faced by his squad. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s crucial save to deny Bruno Guimarães was a turning point in the game, as Newcastle struggled to create opportunities as the match progressed.
The conclusion of the group stage sees only Manchester City and Arsenal from the Premier League advancing to the round of 16, marking the weakest challenge from English teams in the Champions League for 11 years. This outcome reflects the intense competition and unpredictability in European football’s top club competition.
