Chukwueze Sends Newcastle out of Europe, Milan Drop into Europa

*Yusuf, Ejuke in action as Ilenikhena grabs winner against Barcelona in Antwerp

Duro Ikhazuagbe

AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, came off the bench in the 83rd minute to score a decisive goal three minutes later that sent out Newcastle from the UEFA Champions League last night.

Although the 2-1 away win for the Italian giant at St James’ Park was not enough to see Milan qualify for the Last 16 Round of the Champions League after finishing on same eight points as PSG who drew 1-1 in Group F’s other clash with Borussia Dortmund, the Rossoneri took consolation in dropping into the Europa League.

Newcastle United’s Champions League campaign ended in heartbreak on a night of emotion and drama on Tyneside. Milan came from behind to win to send Newcastle out of Europe, finishing at the bottom of the table.

The Toon Army were dreaming of a place in the knockout stages when they took the lead through Joelinton’s 33rd-minute thunderbolt while Borussia Dortmund led against Paris St-Germain in Germany.

It was an outcome that would have sent Newcastle through on head-to-head results against PSG – but the mood shifted in a matter of minutes just before the hour.

Teenager Warren Zaire-Emery equalised for the French champions PSG in Germany, then former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic levelled for Milan at St James’ Park.

As both sides pushed for a winner in an open game, Milan keeper Mike Maignan did brilliantly to turn Bruno Guimaraes’ shot on to the woodwork before Rafael Leao raced clear for the Italians, only to shoot against the foot of the post.

Newcastle’s fate was sealed six minutes from time when Milan struck ruthlessly on the counter-attack with substitute Chukwueze curling a superb finish high past Martin Dubravka.

It left manager Eddie Howe and his players devastated following a return to the Champions League which was fiercely fought, but has ended with them bottom of Group F and without even the consolation of a place in the Europa League.

Elsewhere, Nigerian born George Ilenikhena scored a late winner as Belgian Royal Antwerp grabbed a famous 3-2 win against leaders Barcelona in Group H.

Although Antwerp finished at the bottom of the table with just the three points earned against Barcelona, the home fans celebrated the victory like qualification to the Last 16 Round. Ilenikhena had two other Nigerian in the squad for the night. They include Chidera Ejuke and Alhassan Yusuf.

RESULTS

UCL

Atletico 2-0 Lazio

Celtic 2-1 Feyenoord

Dortmund 1-1 PSG

Newcastle 1-2 AC Milan

C’Zvezda 2-3 Man City

Leipzig 2-1 Young Boys

Porto 5-3 Shakhtar

R’Antwerp 3-2 Barcelona

TODAY

Europa League