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Milan stun Newcastle, both teams bow out of Champions League – ARN News Centre
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AC Milan substitute Samuel Chukwueze struck a superb late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United as both teams exited the Champions League in a nerve-jangling climax to Group F at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
At one point, Newcastle were heading for the last 16 as they led through Joelinton’s rasping first-half drive and Paris St Germain trailed in Germany to Borussia Dortmund — one of the scenarios Eddie Howe’s side required before kickoff.
But seven-times champions Milan, who had to win and hope for a PSG defeat to progress, improved in the second half as Newcastle ran out of steam and Christian Pulisic equalised on the hour from Olivier Giroud’s pass.
With both sides desperate for the three points, Bruno Guimaraes had a shot tipped against the crossbar by Milan keeper Mike Maignan before Rafael Leao hit the post at the other end.
Milan had won only one of their previous 21 matches away to English opposition in Europe, in 2005, but Chukwueze made it a memorable night for them when he curled a sublime finish past Martin Dubravka in the 84th minute.
The final whistle saw tempers boil over as Newcastle’s frustration was obvious, although Milan’s joy was muted as PSG’s 1-1 draw meant the French club were runners-up in the group with eight points, the same as Milan but with a better head-to-head record.
Milan enter the Europa League while Newcastle, who finished bottom with five points, are out of Europe. Dortmund topped the group with 11 points.
“We were dominant at times but probably needed the second goal. We didn’t defend the two goals well enough,” Howe told TNT Sports. “Both teams were desperate to win in the end. We had to be brave and they had to be brave.
“It made for a very good game but we’re absolutely devastated not to go through.”
Newcastle will reflect on the controversial last-gasp penalty they conceded in Paris last month which allowed Kylian Mbappe to salvage a vital 1-1 draw for PSG, although the English side’s exit was as much about a long injury list which has stretched Howe’s squad to breaking point.
They certainly did not lack energy in the first half as they fed off the energy of the Toon Army.
Miguel Almiron was denied a certain goal by a superb intervention by young England defender Fikayo Tomori as Milan struggled to get out of their own half.
When Joelinton was teed up by 17-year-old Lewis Miley in the 33rd minute before lashing a shot high past Maignan it felt like it could be a special night on Tyneside.
To their credit, Stefano Pioli’s side looked rejuvenated after the interval and they equalised when Leao’s low cross ended up at the feet of Giroud who cleverly shifted it on to another former Chelsea player Pulisic to fire into the net.
After PSG equalised in Germany, the mood of optimism in the stadium began to wane although when Leao’s shot struck the post after he was played clean through it seemed there might still be a twist on the final night of group matches before the competition is revamped next season.
But it was not to be as Newcastle’s first Champions League campaign for two decades ended in crushing disappointment.
For Milan, there is Europa League action to look forward to after Christmas.
“We needed to do our job and win. Then we waited for news from the other game,” Leao said. “Now we are in the Europa League — Milan have never won that and we want to.”
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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.
The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.
A grand sporting celebration
The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.
This year’s event promises high-stakes action:
- 100 horses from top international stables
- Nine races across the evening
- Total prize pool of $30.5 million
Spotlight on the main race
The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.
Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:
- “Hit Show” – last year’s winner
- “Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
- “Imperial Emperor”
- “Meidan” – Super Saturday winner
A memorable arrival experience
The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.
With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.
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