Newcastle vs AC Milan: Chukwueze comes up clutch to send Rossoneri to Europa League
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UEFA Champions League Newcastle United v AC Milan Samuel Chukwueze 21 of AC Milan celebrates his goal to make it 1-2 || Image credit: Imago

Newcastle vs AC Milan: Chukwueze comes up clutch to send Rossoneri to Europa League

Faruq Ibrahim 23:11 - 13.12.2023

Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze scored in consecutive Champions League games to earn AC Milan a Europa League spot.

Super Eagles ace Samuel Chukweze silenced the rowdy St James' Park to help AC Milan beat Newcastle 2-1 and seal Europa League qualification.

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Although the chances were bleak, AC Milan came into the clash hoping for the best-case scenario, qualification for the next round of the Champions League, or at least a Europa League ticket.

They looked set to get nothing at all when Newcastle went ahead in the 33rd minute. Christian Pulisic equaliser in the 59th minute was crucial, but not enough; however, super Chukwueze was on hand to score in the 84th minute to clinch a victory for the visitors.

How it happened 

Following the defeat to Dortmund last matchday, which sealed qualification for the German side, Milan needed to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park and hope for a PSG defeat at Signal Iduna Park.

The English hosts at the better of the first-half, and for a moment after Joelinghton’s opener, they were on their way to the Champions League knockout stage, as PSG were a goal down at the time.

Newcastle’s pressure went on even at the start of the second-half, but Milan soon started to enjoy lengthy spells of possession while testing Martin Dubravka, who is between the sticks for the Magpies in place of the injured Nick Pope.

The reward came for the improved showing around the hour mark when Olivier Giroud set up Christian Pulisic.

Chukwueze was subbed in around the 83rd-minute mark, and less than two minutes after coming on, he wrapped the ball around the Slovakian goalkeeper to send Milan in front.

Samuel Chukwueze scored the winner for AC Milan against Newcastle || Image credit: Super Sport (X)
Samuel Chukwueze scored the winner for AC Milan against Newcastle || Image credit: Super Sport (X)

The win put Milan on eight points, the same as PSG after the Parisiens played out a draw in Germany; however, superior goal difference helped Luis Enrique's side pip the Italians to the second UCL spot in the group, behind Dortmund.

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