Newcastle United's impressive comeback against Paris Saint-Germain has fallen just short of securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League. The Magpies had to settle for a point after going toe-to-toe with PSG, who also struggled to find their rhythm despite being the better team on paper.
The game got off to a tumultuous start when PSG were awarded a penalty following a disputed handball claim against Lewis Miley, which was reviewed by VAR. Nick Pope's spectacular save kept Newcastle at bay, but they levelled the score through Joe Willock's first goal in nearly a year. The visitors showed remarkable character and determination to stay in the game, with Willock heading past Matvei Safonov to give his side a deserved equaliser.
As the match entered its final stages, Newcastle had the best chance to win it, but Harvey Barnes' gilt-edged opportunity was squandered when he fired into the side netting from close range. PSG's late pressure ultimately proved too much for the visitors to handle, and they were forced to settle for a draw.
The result has significant implications for Newcastle, who now face a two-legged play-off against either Qarabag or Monaco in February. Both teams will be chasing a winner to avoid the play-offs, which would have been their last hope of securing a spot in the Champions League top eight.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was delighted with his side's performance, praising their character and determination after being subjected to controversy over the handball claim against Miley two seasons ago. "Harvey will have nightmares over that miss," he said, highlighting the importance of Barnes' missed chance.
The draw has also been praised for its entertainment value, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. Newcastle's display was particularly impressive given their heavy schedule and recent struggles on the road in the Premier League.
While the result may not have been what Howe and his players were hoping for, it will undoubtedly boost their confidence ahead of a daunting away run in February. The Magpies face Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City in the coming weeks, but this draw against PSG has shown that they are more than capable of competing with the best teams in Europe.
The game got off to a tumultuous start when PSG were awarded a penalty following a disputed handball claim against Lewis Miley, which was reviewed by VAR. Nick Pope's spectacular save kept Newcastle at bay, but they levelled the score through Joe Willock's first goal in nearly a year. The visitors showed remarkable character and determination to stay in the game, with Willock heading past Matvei Safonov to give his side a deserved equaliser.
As the match entered its final stages, Newcastle had the best chance to win it, but Harvey Barnes' gilt-edged opportunity was squandered when he fired into the side netting from close range. PSG's late pressure ultimately proved too much for the visitors to handle, and they were forced to settle for a draw.
The result has significant implications for Newcastle, who now face a two-legged play-off against either Qarabag or Monaco in February. Both teams will be chasing a winner to avoid the play-offs, which would have been their last hope of securing a spot in the Champions League top eight.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was delighted with his side's performance, praising their character and determination after being subjected to controversy over the handball claim against Miley two seasons ago. "Harvey will have nightmares over that miss," he said, highlighting the importance of Barnes' missed chance.
The draw has also been praised for its entertainment value, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. Newcastle's display was particularly impressive given their heavy schedule and recent struggles on the road in the Premier League.
While the result may not have been what Howe and his players were hoping for, it will undoubtedly boost their confidence ahead of a daunting away run in February. The Magpies face Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City in the coming weeks, but this draw against PSG has shown that they are more than capable of competing with the best teams in Europe.
. And can someone please explain why my notifications aren't working properly again?! I swear, I had them set up just fine yesterday and now they're acting all wonky... 
Anyway, back to the match - I've got to give it to Newcastle, they showed some serious grit and determination out there! That goal by Joe Willock was pure magic 
. But seriously, can we please get a better camera angle for the VAR reviews? It's like they're trying to hide something 
. And what's up with all these penalties being awarded? I mean, I know it's subjective, but come on guys! A little consistency would be nice 
that handball call was trash but i gotta give it to newcastle, they showed a lot of heart 
joe willock's goal was a huge turnaround for them and eddie howe is right about harvey barnes having nightmares over that miss 
. the draw might not be what they wanted but it's still a massive three points for them and i love how they came at psg like a dog with a bone 
- they totally deserved that point against PSG! It's insane how much character and determination they showed out there. The controversy over Miley was still weird tho 
, but it's not like it affected the outcome in the end.
, and it's gonna give them a serious confidence boost going into their tough away run in Feb.
either Qarabag or Monaco will be a tough opponent, but Newcastle's got this! 
Still can't believe they got a draw against PSG, especially after being down 1-0 and all 
And I love how the boss is taking it as a positive - boosting their confidence ahead of a tough run in the Premier League... these Magpies are on the rise! 
️ and to think they were down by 1 goal with like 20 mins left to go 
it just goes to show the magpies are more than capable of mixing it up with the big boys in europe 
. I'm lovin' the stats - did u see that 72% possession from Newcastle in the second half? 
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. The fact that they could've won it but didn't is just part of the game, and I love that about football 
. And can we talk about Joe Willock's goal? What a finish! 
It's moments like those that remind us why we watch football in the first place – for the drama, the skill, and the sheer excitement 
. So, even though it didn't end in a win, I'm still totally stoked for Newcastle and their chances of making it to the top eight 
. I mean, they showed some serious guts and determination to keep it level till the end. That Joe Willock goal was sick 
. And now Newcastle's gotta deal with the fallout of that disputed handball claim – you'd think VAR would be more consistent in these situations, right? 
. And let's not forget the scheduling – Newcastle just had to deal with all this on top of their grueling schedule, which is a major red flag for any team looking to stay competitive throughout the season 
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so like I'm watching this match and Newcastle is literally giving it their all vs these fancy PSG players 
. Still, their character and determination is what's getting me pumped up about this team 
, but you can't win 'em all, right? 
I love how Eddie Howe is always so positive and supportive of his team, even after a tough loss. 
! I mean, going toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the world isn't easy, especially after that disputed handball claim 
. As for Harvey Barnes' missed chance... yeah, that one'll haunt him for sure 
, i mean we get it, PSG wasn't great but come on, u got that pen 
and determination 
!