UCL: Newcastle earn a point at the San Siro
AC Milan 0 - 0 Newcastle United
With a 0-0 draw at the San Siro, Newcastle earned what could prove to be a vital point after holding a dominant AC Milan to their first Champions League match in over twenty years.
Eddie Howe's side qualified for the group stages for the first time since the 2002/03 season, joining Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, as well as Milan, last year's semifinalists.
In such a daunting draw, any points gained away from St James' Park should be cherished - even if theis was mainly earned through gritty defending and opposition wastefulness.
Newcastle were fortunate to go into half-time level with the hosts after Rafael Leao fluffed a backheel after a fine solo run.
In the second half, the game became much more even. The visitors' Sandro Tonali had a shot blocked, while Tijjani Reijnders forced Pope into a decent save.
In the closing stages, Leao should have won it with a header after getting between Newcastle defenders.
Thousands of Newcastle United fans travelled to Italy, keen to be a part of history as their side to the pinnacle of European football.
At the start of the match, the the Magpies looked comfortable by the occasion as they passed the ball around well and attacked with numbers. However, it did not take long for seven-time European champions Milan to take control.
Five minutes plus added time still to go ⏳#ACMNEW #UCL 0-0 | (86') #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/Oc9SSl4Hzs
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 19, 2023
You could argue that Newcastle showed their opponents far too much respect in the first half. It looked like a matter of time before Howe's side would fall behind, but they found their feet and their confidence.
Fan reaction
Frank, a Newcastle United fan, said: "As time passes, the achievement of getting this point will gain more significance. Tonight brought about new experiences for many players and fans. I hope the team can learn and develop from them."
Peter was in attendance at the San Siro, he added: "We rode our luck, but we’re nowhere near our best form. Hard earned point away at Milan. I didn't think we would be seeing that a few years ago."
Jamie has been watching Newcastle United for over 45 years. He was delighted with this draw and the overall experience of the trip: "We'll take a point and do the job againsg them at home. We played much better by keeping the ball. Pope was on fire. The player of the match had to be Trippier. These players certainly have what it takes to ruffle some feathers once Howe sorts out the attacking players."
Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes was full of praise for the fans. He tweeted: "What a week! Important point in Milan. Thanks for all your support."
What a week 😅🎀
— Harvey Barnes (@harveybarnes97) September 20, 2023
Important point in Milan. Thanks for all your support 🖤🤍 @NUFC pic.twitter.com/n53gE45yJ5
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