The Champions League can be a tale of both glory and brutality. Newcastle United recently experienced the harsh reality of this competition, discovering that it can never be taken for granted. In a rollercoaster 90 minutes against AC Milan, Eddie Howe’s team went from being on course for the knockout stages to settling for a place in the Europa League, only to end up with nothing at all. Two second-half goals from Milan secured a 2-1 defeat for the Magpies, leaving them at the bottom of Group F and eliminated from both the Champions League and European competition altogether. This article delves into their journey, from hope to despair, as they navigated the challenging world of the Champions League.
Rewind to a remarkable night in early October, when Newcastle showcased their return to the Champions League with a stunning 4-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain. The raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park fueled optimism that Eddie Howe’s team could go all the way to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, that victory against PSG proved to be their only win in the group stage. Home defeats against Borussia Dortmund and Milan brought them crashing back to reality and led to their premature exit from the competition.
In the Champions League, winning home games and picking up points away from home is the general recipe for success. Newcastle fell short in this regard, suffering two home defeats that ultimately sealed their fate. Losing twice on their own turf is a major setback, particularly if they were unable to secure an away win. Although there were unfortunate circumstances, such as a contentious penalty decision against PSG and an exceptional save by Milan’s goalkeeper, small margins cannot overshadow the fact that Newcastle was outplayed on crucial occasions. Crucial misses from Rafael Leão and Fikayo Tomori aside, Milan deserved their victory with goals from Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze.
Injuries and Absences Take Their Toll
Injuries played a significant role in hindering Newcastle’s Champions League campaign. At one stage, they were unable to field a full substitutes’ bench due to multiple absences, including key players like goalkeeper Nick Pope, defender Sven Botman, and forward Harvey Barnes. Furthermore, their summer signing, Sandro Tonali, started a suspension for breaching betting regulations. Consequently, it’s challenging to classify Newcastle’s return to the Champions League as a complete write-off, considering the constraints they faced.
Newcastle’s journey in the Champions League this season has been a valuable learning process. Defeats against Dortmund highlighted how teams beneath the elite level can exploit vulnerabilities through tactical acumen and experience. Howe and his players will reflect on their cautious approach in the 0-0 draw against Milan in the opening game, realizing they missed an opportunity to seize victory over the Italian giants. Despite the disappointments, there were moments of brilliance, particularly during the memorable win against PSG. Newcastle possesses the resources to strengthen their squad in January and potentially secure qualification for the Champions League next season.
When assessing the results of the group stages, Newcastle’s fate aligned with that of Manchester United. Both clubs failed to progress, spelling potential consequences for English football. The fifth Champions League spot for next season is now at risk, with England possibly missing out due to the underwhelming performances of these two teams. Considering their current positions in the Premier League, with United in sixth and Newcastle in seventh, it would be ironic if one of them ultimately misses out on qualification due to their early exits from the Champions League group stage.
Newcastle’s lack of experience in the Champions League was evident at times, with both the rookie coach Eddie Howe and certain players struggling to adapt. Naivety, coupled with the gaps in familiarity and expertise within the squad, proved to be a costly factor. Howe expressed his disappointment but acknowledged the need to use setbacks as motivation for the future. With no European football on the horizon, Newcastle must reflect on their campaign and prepare to bounce back stronger.
Newcastle United’s Champions League journey ended in disappointment, with their hopes for progress in the competition dashed. What started with a momentous victory against PSG culminated in a harsh reality check. The team’s inexperience, coupled with injuries and missed opportunities, were contributing factors to their early exit. As they reflect on their campaign, Newcastle must use the pain of their Champions League failure as fuel for future success. With the potential to strengthen their squad and learn from this experience, they can strive to return stronger and more prepared in the years to come. The brutal nature of the Champions League has left its mark on Newcastle, but it is up to them to rise from the ashes and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.