Newcastle crashed out of the Champions League after wild drama
Milan beat Newcastle 2-1 in St. Petersburg James’ Park and Newcastle were knocked out of the Champions League after finishing last in their group, while Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund are set for the play-offs.
The reason is that even though they won on Wednesday, Milan were also eliminated from the Champions League and have to play in the Europa League in the new year. Paris Saint-Germain drew 1-1 against group winners Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park and therefore picked up the necessary points to ensure further progress.
Group F was originally nicknamed the “death group”, and for good reason. The fun continues until the end.
Borussia Dortmund were already confident of further qualification, but had not secured group victory until tonight’s two games in the sixth and final round. Meanwhile PSG, Newcastle and Milan all have a chance to join Dortmund in qualifying for the last 16, depending on Wednesday night’s results.
PSG had the best starting point as they were second in the group with seven points before Wednesday and knew they would progress if they won against Dortmund. Newcastle and Milan – both on five points before tonight’s game – are riding on their own wins, while PSG are winless.
Newcastle took the lead through Joelinton’s cross, but two Milan goals in the second half ensured a 2-1 win for the Italian side.
In Germany, Karim Adeyemi put Dortmund ahead in the 51st minute, but talented Warren Zaïre-Emery equalized just five minutes later. The match ended 1-1 and both teams could cheer to progress, with Dortmund as group winners.
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