Newcastle emerged from the iconic San Siro with a valuable point, potentially a pivotal one, as they held a dominant AC Milan to a goalless draw in their first Champions League appearance in over two decades.
After their qualification for the group stages, marking their return since the 2002/03 season, Eddie Howe’s team found themselves in Group F, alongside European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, as well as last year’s semi-finalists, Milan.
This challenging group draw made every point earned away from St James’ Park a precious commodity, even if it came through resolute defending and Milan’s profligacy.
The match against Milan exemplified this, as the Italian side concluded the game with an expected goals tally of 2.06 but failed to find the back of the net, with chances from Rafael Leao, Tommaso Pobega, and Olivier Giroud all going begging.
Newcastle’s Unforgettable Champions League Return
Newcastle, perhaps overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion, found themselves trailing throughout the game and only managed to register their first shot on target during second-half stoppage time. A more assertive performance will likely be expected when PSG visits Tyneside next month.
Nerves were understandably present for Newcastle, who were last seen in the Champions League losing at home to Barcelona in March 2003, now returning to one of Europe’s historic venues.
Jacob Murphy, given a surprise start on the wing, displayed a broad grin as the Champions League anthem played before kick-off, hinting at Newcastle’s readiness for the occasion.
Despite making three changes to their lineup, the Magpies seemed overwhelmed in the first half and could have easily conceded several goals. Nick Pope, however, made four crucial saves to keep Milan at bay.
Pobega had the first opportunity but saw his powerful strike denied by Pope, while Samuel Chukwueze’s shot was blocked. The goalkeeper then made amends for a weak punch by saving Giroud’s flicked shot, and Theo Hernandez’s header was pushed over the crossbar.
25 – Milan’s 25 shots was their most in a #UCL game without scoring since they fired 27 against PSV in October 2005. Curse.#MilanNewcastle
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) September 19, 2023
Newcastle’s only promising moment in the first half ended with Sean Longstaff rightly denied a penalty after going down under pressure from Leao, who squandered Milan’s best chance with a backheel attempt.
Pobega’s rebound was then cleared off the line by Murphy as Newcastle clung to survival before slowing down Milan’s momentum in the quieter second half.
Newcastle’s characteristic intensity from their top-four Premier League finish last season was notably absent, and the match appeared destined for a draw until stoppage time when Longstaff, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, had a powerful shot tipped over by replacement goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, ensuring the visitors did not leave with an undeserved victory.
In an impressive Champions League debut, Newcastle’s Nick Pope made eight saves while keeping a clean sheet, a feat not achieved by an English goalkeeper since Fraser Forster in September 2012. This match marked Eddie Howe’s inaugural Champions League appearance as a manager, making him the 10th Englishman to manage in the competition. Only two have won their first game in the Champions League: Craig Shakespeare with Leicester in March 2017 and Michael Carrick with Manchester United in November 2021. Milan’s 25 shots (nine on target) were their highest in a Champions League game without scoring since a match against PSV in October 2005.
Eight different players made their Champions League debut for Newcastle in this game, a noteworthy achievement for the club. AC Milan will return to Serie A action against Verona before facing Borussia Dortmund in their next Champions League Group F fixture. Meanwhile, Newcastle will take on Sheffield United in the Premier League before their next Champions League match at home against Paris Saint-Germain.
