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

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 AC 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 would be sending Newcastle on their way to another 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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Premier League alumni haunt Magpies

Pulisic failed to score in any of his five appearances against Newcastle during his underwhelming stint at Chelsea.

But his equaliser started the chain of unfortunate events, and ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud provided a delightful assist.

Fikayo Tomori also produced a marvellous display, preventing a certain Miguel Almiron goal in the first half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek also started for the visitors.

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 as they also target domestic glory in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.