AC Milan broke a longstanding European jinx against English clubs away from home with a sensational 2-1 win against Newcastle United in the final Champions League Group F match on Wednesday. Despite the triumph, it was a bittersweet night for the Serie A side.
Samuel Chukwueze emerged as the hero, delivering a remarkable late goal within minutes of coming on as a substitute, securing Milan’s first victory away to an English club in European competition since 2005. This victory marked only the second win in 22 attempts for the seven-time champions against English sides. Follow your favourite Champions League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
However, Milan’s joy was tempered as the win, though impressive, secured them only a third-place finish in the group and a spot in the Europa League. Stefano Pioli, Milan’s coach, expressed disappointment despite the historic win, lamenting missed opportunities in previous matches. “We’re disappointed to have ended our run in the Champions League… Now we will do all we can to win the Europa League,” Pioli stated.
The match saw former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic equalize for Milan after Joelinton initially gave a dominant Newcastle the lead with a powerful strike in the first half.
Pulisic, the first American to score for three different teams in the Champions League, conveyed mixed emotions, highlighting the team’s desire to continue in the Champions League but acknowledging the chance to excel in the Europa League. “The aim was to stay in Europe and we’ve managed to achieve that… we look forward to Europa League,” Pulisic remarked.
For Saudi-Arabia-owned Newcastle, dreams of progressing to the last 16 were shattered despite leading 1-0 while PSG trailed in their game. Manager Eddie Howe admitted the challenges faced due to a relentless season and a significant injury list, emphasizing the squad’s limitations as a contributing factor to their downfall.
Although missing out on European football altogether might benefit Newcastle in focusing on Premier League aspirations, Howe acknowledged the disappointment while using it as motivation to strive for consistency in the domestic league. “You always have to use disappointment… as motivation… We’ll go back to the Premier League and try and do as much as we can to be consistent and stay up there,” Howe asserted.
Milan’s historic win against Newcastle signifies a turning point, while Newcastle faces the challenge of regrouping and using their European disappointment to fuel their Premier League ambitions. Get the latest updates from the Champions League only on Nextbet Sports.
