Both Newcastle United and AC Milan said goodbye to the UEFA Champions League after losing in the group stage, marking a heartbreaking end to their respective campaigns. Newcastle’s first UCL campaign in twenty years came to an end as they placed last in their group, despite AC Milan’s 2-1 victory at St James’ Park.
On a key night for Newcastle, the Geordie faithful played a crucial role in the electrifying atmosphere inside St James’ Park. The Magpies took the lead over Paris Saint-Germain on the head-to-head rule after Joelinton’s incredible goal. Kieran Trippier and Fikayo Tomori had established the early tone.
News of Karim Adeyemi’s goal against PSG heightened the feel-good factor for Newcastle, briefly securing their lead in the group. However, setbacks followed as Warren Zaïre-Emery and Christian Pulisic scored for PSG, pushing Newcastle back down to third place. Bruno Guimarães’ denied attempt and Callum Wilson’s misfire added to the frustration, while Milan seized the opportunity on the counter-attack, with Samuel Chukwueze sealing their comeback.
Despite the dramatic turns, the final moments on Tyneside lacked further suspense, as Newcastle succumbed to their third consecutive defeat across all competitions. The disappointment is amplified by the fact that their European adventure concludes before Christmas.
In contrast, AC Milan displayed resilience throughout the match, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League as a consolation prize. Stefano Pioli’s side, though finishing third in the group, will look to regroup and continue their European journey in the New Year.
For Newcastle United, the early exit marks a somber end to a memorable return to the Champions League after two decades, leaving fans and players with a sense of what could have been in a season filled with ups and downs.
Check out the final Group F Table below:
