Newcastle United might be the underdogs of the 2023/24 Champions League and here’s why
Miguel Almiron scored a stunning side-footed strike in the 17th minute of Wednesday night’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Bruno Guimaraes headed down Marquinhos’ sloppy ball in his own half, and Alexander Isak, who has been so important this season, punted a shot goalwards.
To his credit, PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma managed to paw away the ball, but it fell at the feet of Almiron, who tapped into the bottom left corner.
It was Newcastle’s first Champions League goal since Alan Shearer scored in the San Siro against Inter Milan in 2003, and what a moment it was.
Shearer, who was in the stands to see his beloved Newcastle take the lead on Wednesday night, had to be taken aback by the moment.
St James’ Park was buzzing half an hour before kick-off as Wor Flags put up a spectacular performance before their second group encounter.
The Champions League anthem then boomed out over Newcastle’s 52,000-seater stadium for the first time in two decades.
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles stated in the days preceding Wednesday’s game that the club is approaching it like any other.
When asked if he and Kylian Mbappe had discussed swapping clothes, Lascelles replied, “It’s not something we’ve really discussed.” We’re only concerned with how the manager positions us as players.
When asked if he would swap shirts if approached by Mbappe, Lascelles said, “If he [Mbappe] asks me? Yeah, when we get to the tunnel but on the pitch it’s just business.
“Kylian Mbappe is prbably the best player in the world. We just need to be professional and that’s what we are. It’s just about getting the job done.”
