Newcastle United produced a spirited display at the Parc des Princes, ultimately falling short of securing an automatic Champions League qualification spot but leaving PSG with more to ponder ahead of their own knockout phase.
The Magpies' 1-1 draw against the reigning champions marked a welcome respite from Sunday's defeat against Aston Villa. Five changes to Newcastle's starting lineup, which included the introduction of back three, allowed Eddie Howe's team to regain some semblance of control. However, PSG were far from out of it and forced their way ahead with a penalty, awarded just 45 seconds into play after Lewis Miley was deemed to have committed an elbow on Bradley Barcola.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then doubled the lead for Paris Saint-Germain, but Newcastle pulled level with Joe Willock scoring from close range before the half-time break. The draw ensured that neither team would be relegated to the knockout phase, but it will still prove a significant setback for PSG's title ambitions.
Newcastle's spirited performance and improved defensive setup under Eddie Howe should give fans hope for their position in the Champions League standings moving forward. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain will have to regroup after what was an uncharacteristically tame display from them at home against Newcastle United.
The Magpies' 1-1 draw against the reigning champions marked a welcome respite from Sunday's defeat against Aston Villa. Five changes to Newcastle's starting lineup, which included the introduction of back three, allowed Eddie Howe's team to regain some semblance of control. However, PSG were far from out of it and forced their way ahead with a penalty, awarded just 45 seconds into play after Lewis Miley was deemed to have committed an elbow on Bradley Barcola.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then doubled the lead for Paris Saint-Germain, but Newcastle pulled level with Joe Willock scoring from close range before the half-time break. The draw ensured that neither team would be relegated to the knockout phase, but it will still prove a significant setback for PSG's title ambitions.
Newcastle's spirited performance and improved defensive setup under Eddie Howe should give fans hope for their position in the Champions League standings moving forward. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain will have to regroup after what was an uncharacteristically tame display from them at home against Newcastle United.
That back three system seems to be working out pretty well, I'm loving the solidity in their defense 
And to score that equalizer just before half-time? 
That's what you call a team effort! Joe Willock deserves a lot of credit for that one 
PSG will have to get their act together after that display, it was pretty underwhelming 
Maybe they're feeling the pressure of defending their title 
today! They were all over Newcastle like a bad rash 
and their defense was straight non-existent 
. I mean, who lets Joe Willock score an easy header? Not exactly the kind of performances you want to see from your title contenders 
. On the other hand, Newcastle played some solid football too 
, especially with that back three change they made. It's a win-win for them, but PSG is definitely gonna have to step it up their game if they wanna stay on top 
.
! They were so flat against Newcastle and that penalty is still gonna sting 
. I mean, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal was sweet, but that Joe Willock equalizer? 
. The Magpies' new defensive setup under Eddie Howe is definitely giving them a boost 
at least Newcastle tried somethin new with that back three setup 
but still, PSG's gonna bounce back strong 
I feel so bad for PSG! They were supposed to be on top of things and now they're having second thoughts about their title chances 
. Five changes to their lineup? That's some serious risk-taking, but it paid off in the end! 
I'm so impressed by Eddie Howe's coaching skills - he must be on top of his game right now 
. And what's up with PSG? Uncharacteristically tame? They've been on fire all season 
so unfair. But honestly, both teams played well, Newcastle showed some major improvement under Eddie Howe 
. But on the other hand, PSG were still able to get away with a draw, which is kinda weird given how dominant they usually are at home 
. Either way, it's been an interesting match and I'm curious to see how both teams bounce back from this draw 
.
. I know PSG is still in the knockout phase, but I think Newcastle can definitely hold their own from here on out 
. They're supposed to be one of the top teams in Europe and they get beat by a team that's been struggling, like Newcastle? 
. Newcastle might not be as good as PSG, but they're definitely the better team today 
that PSG got thrashed by Newcastle 
. Anyways, Newcastle proved themselves today 
. Kvaratskhelia's goal was sick tho, but it wasn't enough to save PSG from having to watch Newcastle pull level. 