UCL: Chukwueze impressive but AC Milan draw with Newcastle
Super Eagles striker Samuel Chukwueze saw 61 minutes action on for AC Milan as the Italian giants were held to a goalless draw by visiting Newcastle in the Uefa Champions league Tuesday night. The free scoring Nigerian on a good day came close to making it happen but had his shot blocked by Pope. Before Chukwueze’s effort teammate Pobega was denied, pouncing on a Dan Burn error but seeing his powerful effort parried.
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The match did not come easy with the centre referee José Sánchez forced to dish out five yellow cards in the bargain. Four of the cards went to the hosts with one going to the visitors.
Newcastle left the San Siro with what could prove to be a vital point after holding a dominant AC Milan to a 0-0 draw in their first Champions League game for over 20 years.
After qualifying for the group stages for the first time since the 2002/03 season, Eddie Howe’s side were rewarded with a place in Group F, alongside European luminaries Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, as well as last year’s semi-finalists Milan.
Such a daunting draw means any points collected away from St James’ Park are to be cherished even if they come as a result of gritty defending and opposition wastefulness.
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That was the case against Milan, who ended the game with an expected goals total of 2.06 but no actual goals, with Rafael Leao, Tommaso Pobega and Olivier Giroud all spurning chances.
Perhaps overawed on such a huge night for the club, Newcastle were second best throughout and only registered their first shot on target in second-half stoppage time. A more punchy performance surely awaits when PSG visit Tyneside next month.
“The hype around Newcastle’s Champions League return had been building ever since they secured their top-four place in the spring, which is perhaps why this performance felt so underwhelming.
“Howe’s side can be excused for their limp performance given they fielded eight Champions League debutants, while it should not be forgotten that Milan reached the semi-finals of this competition just a few months ago.
“But it’s now just two wins from six games in all competitions for Newcastle, who haven’t played well since thrashing Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.
“If they want to emerge from the toughest of the eight Champions League groups, Newcastle will have to show more than they mustered in Milan.”