Newcastle United came close to a triumph against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, but instead, it concluded as a night of disappointment. Despite initially leading, the Magpies lost 2-1, securing the unfortunate bottom spot in their Champions League group. Eddie Howe’s team is now completely out of the European competition, a bitter outcome considering their nearness to claiming second place.
For a while, everything seemed on track. They were comfortably ahead, courtesy of Joelinton’s remarkable goal, while Paris Saint-Germain was faltering. However, the situation shifted dramatically with AC Milan’s equalizer. A draw would have been sufficient for Newcastle to clinch third place and qualify for the Europa League, but they pursued victory aggressively.
Howe’s squad pushed relentlessly for a winning goal, throwing players forward in a bid to regain the lead. Yet, this aggressive approach backfired, ultimately leading to Newcastle’s downfall as AC Milan capitalized on a counterattack, shattering the hopes of the Toon faithful.
AC Milan secured the winning goal, and criticism was directed at Newcastle for their perceived naivety in the closing moments of the match. Gary Lineker echoed this sentiment, sharing his thoughts on Newcastle’s decision to go all out in their attacking strategy during the final stages.
Gary Lineker thinks Newcastle should have been less cavalier in Champions League decider
On the newest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker talks with Alan Shearer about Newcastle’s Champions League exit. With Europa League football still on the table, he believes Howe’s team should have been more careful.
“I just thought to myself the Europa League would be a really good result for Newcastle because a) you would be massively proud of the fact you have stayed in Europe despite being in that group and secondly it’s a tournament I think you could conceivably win,” added the Spaniard.
“So I just thought, and understandably so, because of the emotions of the night but I just thought if there was a little bit more – yes, try and get the winner but don’t just throw everyone forward so you are so open to the counter attack.”
“In contrast to the Champions League, Newcastle are not ready to win a competition like that.”
Shearer added: “I was like you Gaz, I was thinking I don’t think the Europa is a bad spot to be in, finishing third in this top group. But hey, it wasn’t meant to be.”
Newcastle should have no regrets despite missing out on Europa League
I understand Lineker’s point of view, but considering what happened, Newcastle could have been a little more cautious.
But if the Magpies hadn’t gone for it, significant questions would have been raised. We were one goal away from reaching the Champions League knockout rounds, and the team should never be chastised for going for it.
That strategy ultimately cost us. But we came out fighting in a group where we had no right to perform so well.
The Champions League has been a learning experience for us, and we performed admirably in the competition. Some errors were made, but there were also some unfavorable circumstances.
Howe and his teammates did us proud. Sure, the Europa League would have been a nice consolation prize, but I won’t fault Newcastle for giving it their all to stay in the Champions League.
We’re here to compete, as Howe puts it.
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