In a spellbinding European encounter, Newcastle edged tantalizingly close to etching their name in club history with a dazzling performance against Paris Saint-Germain.
The defensive prowess displayed was nothing short of extraordinary, yet their aspirations were cruelly shattered in the dying moments as Kylian Mbappe calmly converted a contentious stoppage-time penalty, forcing a heart-wrenching 1-1 draw.
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In the face of potential elimination, the Magpies found themselves under early siege, with Nick Pope heroically denying Mbappe’s deft flick.
Nick Pope.#UCL pic.twitter.com/SIWWirb3AU
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 28, 2023
Isak, however, orchestrated redemption, unleashing a thunderous strike into the net after Gianluigi Donnarumma could only parry Almiron’s initial shot. The first half concluded with Newcastle basking in relative comfort.
The narrative took a dramatic turn post-intermission. Pope’s acrobatics denied Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, their attempts thwarted both on target and off. Despite a valiant effort, the clock ticked mercilessly.
In the 11th hour, Tino’s perceived handball inside the box handed Mbappe a penalty, extinguishing the flames of what could have been a victory.
This is a karma for Joelinton foul against Gabriel
never a penalty, but Newcastle fans’ tears will be satisfying
retweet to enjoy the tears pic.twitter.com/FdO94uaygi
— Koma (@koma_AFC) November 28, 2023
After the match, GOAL.com put together an assessment of each players performance at the Parc des Princes. This saw Brazilians, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, get 8 ad 7 respectively. And for the following reasons:
- Joelinton (7/10): Initiated with an early booking but metamorphosed into a disciplined force, infusing the midfield with unwavering energy.
- Bruno Guimaraes (8/10): A defensive maestro, his body became a barricade against a barrage of shots, seamlessly orchestrating the midfield with poised finesse.
Newcastle starting 11: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
