NEWCASTLE, England: AC Milan substitute Samuel Chukwueze struck a superb late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United as both teams exited the Champions League in a nerve-jangling climax to Group F at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
At one point, Newcastle were heading for the last 16 as they led through Joelinton’s rasping first-half drive and Paris St Germain trailed in Germany to Borussia Dortmund — one of the scenarios Eddie Howe’s side required before kickoff.
But seven-times champions Milan, who had to win and hope for a PSG defeat to progress, improved in the second half as Newcastle ran out of steam and Christian Pulisic equalised on the hour from Olivier Giroud’s pass.
With both sides desperate for the three points, Bruno Guimaraes had a shot tipped against the crossbar by Milan keeper Mike Maignan before Rafael Leao hit the post at the other end.
Milan had won only one of their previous 21 matches away to English opposition in Europe, in 2005, but Chukwueze made it a memorable night for them when he curled a sublime finish past Martin Dubravka in the 84th minute.
The final whistle saw tempers boil over as Newcastle’s frustration was obvious, although Milan’s joy was muted as PSG’s 1-1 draw meant the French club were runners-up in the group with eight points, the same as Milan but with a better head-to-head record.
Milan enter the Europa League while Newcastle, who finished bottom with five points, are out of Europe. Dortmund topped the group with 11 points.
Newcastle will reflect on the controversial last-gasp penalty they conceded in Paris last month which allowed Kylian Mbappe to salvage a vital 1-1 draw for PSG, although the English side’s exit was as much about a long injury list which has stretched Howe’s squad to breaking point.
