Champions League: Samuel Chukwueze Shines As AC Milan Kick Out Newcastle United

 

Newcastle United are out of the Champions League after losing 2-1 to AC Milan in a comeback that sent the Italian side through to finish third of Group F. 

Joelington had put Magpies ahead with a delightful volley earlier into the game before Christian Pulisic equalised for Milan from Olivier Giroud's pass after halftime break. 

Just minutes after Samuel Chukwueze came on, the Nigerian international put Milan ahead steering home Noah Okafor's through pass. The goal was just enough to send Milan 

Newcastle were making their first appearance in 20 years and their loss paved the way to Paris Saint-Germain to retain their position in second to qualify for the knockout stages.   

Quick Overview

Newcastle initially found themselves going up the standings hopeful, and in the later stages, they drifted out to fail to qualify for the knockout, even completely out of the European competition. Meanwhile, Milan knew neither a loss or draw was good for them but a win will hand them a ticket to the Europa League at least. 

Milan did not seemed as though they were going to make anything out of the game with Newcastle fairly dominating from the first half. Penultimate to Joelington's opener, he had forced a crossline clearance from Fikayo Tomori from onrushing Miguel Almiron's reach. 

A defensive flop leading to Christian Pulisic equaliser set the Premier League on the course out of the competition. Pulisic was left unmarked too clearly for Olivier Giroud to pick him with a pass amidst the crowded six-yard box. 

Until the winner from Chukwueze, Rafael Leso had wasted a glaring chance to put the side in a comfortable lead. Eventually, Stefano Pioli changed the dynamics of the game for subbing in Noah Okafor and Chukwueze leading up to the winning goal just minutes after coming on.