Newcastle-Milan 1-2: Rossoneri secure third place finish
In a dramatic second day of Group Stages in the 2023/2024 Champions League, Newcastle United fell 2-1 to AC Milan at St James’ Park.
As the match kicked off, Newcastle pressed forward immediately, setting a high pace that didn’t relent throughout the first half. A noteworthy moment came in the 19th minute when Joelinton’s opportunity, set up by Almiron, was foiled by a sliding intervention from Tomori.
Joelinton finally got his name on the sheet in the 32nd minute with a swift counterattack that saw the Newcastle striker unleash a shot that flew past Mike Maignan in the Milan goal.
Despite Milan’s effort to react, the first half ended with the home team leading 1-0.
As the second half begun, Newcastle’s Wilson and Gordon both threatened, but their strikes were handled comfortably by Maignan. It was in the 59th minute that Milan broke through with American player Pulisic equalising. The goal materialised due to a scramble in the box, with Loftus challenging for the ball and a miscued shot by Florenzi, which eventually fell to Giroud. Giroud then deflected the ball into Pulisic’s path who calmly guided it into the net.
In the latter stages of the game, opportunities were squandered by Isak of Newcastle and Leao of Milan – the latter hit the woodwork in the 79th minute.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute with new substitute Okafor setting up Jovic. Jovic then released Chukwueze, who secured the win and completed the comeback for Milan with an exquisite curved finish.
The match ended Newcastle 1, Milan 2 with Chukwueze’s strike charted as the winning goal.
Joelinton for Newcastle and Pulisic and Chukwueze for Milan were the goal scorers.
Here’s how the teams lined up for the match:
Newcastle (4-3-3): Dubravka; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordin managed by Howe.
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Hernandez, Florenzi; Musah, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud under the management of Pioli.