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AC Milan Eliminated Newcastle, Crushing Newcastle’s Champions League Dreams!
AC Milan eliminated Newcastle from the Champions League. Samuel Chukwueze’s late goal led to their 2-1 defeat by AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, eliminating them from the competition.
Despite winning, last season’s semi-finalists couldn’t progress, as Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund secured the French champions second place in Group F.
Milan, however, managed to secure a consolation prize with a place in the Europa League, snatching it away from Newcastle. The Toons’ first Champions League campaign in 20 years ended in disappointment.
Suffering from a long list of injuries, Newcastle, fatigued, has now faced three consecutive losses in all competitions.
The Toons’ Fight Hard but Fall Short: Howe Lament’s Lack of Depth as Newcastle Crash Out of UCL
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe expressed, “We gave everything to the match. I can’t ask for anything more in terms of commitment, effort, and physical exertion. Unfortunately for us, it wasn’t to be.“
“We didn’t perform at our best technically, but we generated chances during the match. We feel devastated about not advancing.“
Howe named the same 10 outfield players in the previous five games because of limited options. He attributed his team’s failure to build on a brilliant start to the group to a lack of strength in depth.
Newcastle drew 0-0 in Milan and then thrashed PSG 4-1 at home. However, they only earned one point from their final four games, leading to a bottom-of-the-group finish.
“Howe highlighted the squad’s value and expressed frustration. He emphasized the inability to utilize the created squad. This has been a significant issue for us,” Howe added.
From Crisis to Comeback: Milan Rescued by Late Drama as UCL Fate Hangs in Balance
Milan faces an injury crisis that hampers their performance. Coach Stefano Pioli, currently under fire, expresses regret for not capitalizing on opportunities earlier in the group.
“We ended our Champions League run with disappointment,” Pioli expressed. “The group was tough, but I think we deserved more. We should have capitalized on our chances in the other games.”
Fikayo Tomori, the sole healthy central defender for Pioli, rescued his team early on by executing a remarkable last-ditch tackle on his own goal-line, denying Miguel Almiron the opportunity to tap in Joelinton’s cross.
Anthony Gordon, surging through the Milan midfield, played a crucial role in setting up Lewis Miley, who then assisted Joelinton in scoring a splendid opening goal before half-time.
Newcastle, in a must-win situation with hopes of advancing hinging on PSG’s performance in Dortmund, faced relentless pressure but found success with a stunning goal.
The home crowd heightened the electric atmosphere further when they learned about Dortmund’s opening goal against PSG at the start of the second half.
In just a matter of minutes, two goals changed the dynamics of an enthralling Group F once again. PSG leveled the score in Germany, and Milan quickly equalized as well. The excitement and intensity continued to rise.
Toons’ Dashed by Leao Cross, Milan Pounce Late to Snatch Europa League Berth!
Newcastle couldn’t handle Rafael Leao’s left-wing cross, allowing Olivier Giroud to set up Christian Pulisic for a drilled finish on his return to England.
The game was intense in the final stages, with a draw not benefiting either side. Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, made a stunning save to deflect Bruno Guimaraes’ shot onto the bar.
On the counter, Leao missed a chance to dash Newcastle’s Champions League dreams by hitting the post with only Martin Dubravka to beat.
Milan seized their next opportunity as substitute Chukwueze brilliantly curled the ball into the far corner six minutes from time.
In stoppage time, as Newcastle struggled, Milan had chances to extend their lead. Theo Hernandez missed an open goal after Dubravka ventured forward for a corner.
Tomori sprinted forward on the counter-attack and hit the post. Milan did their job on the night. They ensured European football in 2024, though not consistently throughout the group stage.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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