Newcastle United have made a return to the UEFA Champions League after over two decades, securing a goalless draw against AC Milan at the San Siro.
The Herald reports that the point could prove vital to Eddie Howe’s side as they find themselves in what has been dubbed the ‘Group of Death,’ with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
The Magpies were fortunate at different times in the game, as the home side missed several scoring opportunities, with Rafael Leao missing a lot of chances.
Meanwhile, Newcastle nearly clinched a late winner when Sean Longstaff’s strike was tipped over the crossbar by AC Milan’s substitute goalkeeper, Marco Sportiello, in injury time.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope, also played a crucial role in keeping the score level, making multiple saves during the match. Milan’s rootless attacks brought the beast out of Pope as he denied Samuel Chukwueze, Olivier Giroud, and others, a chance at goal.
Leao had a golden opportunity to give Milan the lead but made a bad decision to back-heel the ball from close range, which made him stumble.
Although Newcastle struggled to exert control in midfield, the team managed to maintain a clean sheet.
The second half saw Milan’s attacks met with strong defending from Newcastle, preventing the hosts from breaking through. In the final stages, manager Eddie Howe made substitutions, introducing Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron.
Despite Milan’s late efforts and a diving header by Leao that went over the bar, the match ended square, with both teams sharing equal points.