AC Milan Appears In Europa League, Newcastle United Eliminated

AC Milan player Samuel Chukwueze (left) celebrates the goal that determines the team's victory in the Champions League (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan finally won a ticket to the Europa League after beating Newcastle United 2-1 in the final match of Group F of the Champions League at St James' Park Stadium, Thursday, December 14 in the morning WIB. Newcastle itself was eliminated by occupying the bottom of the standings.

Newcastle will be the next representative of the English Premier League after Manchester United failed to continue their work in European competitions.

They not only failed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League but also could not appear in the Europa League after ending the group stage at the bottom.

Newcastle actually have the opportunity to win a ticket to the Champions League knockout round. Even the Magpies who acted as hosts had already won first. But Milan were able to turn things around and beat Newcastle.

Experience and mental strength are Newcastle's weaknesses when they return to compete in Europe after a long absence. Apart from that, the lucky factor also did not reach The Toon Army.

AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho, who won the Champions League twice and once the Europa League, said that luck would play a role in the team to win matches in Europe.

The defeat put Newcastle at the bottom of the standings with five points. Meanwhile, Milan managed to move up to third with eight points.

Despite having the same points as Paris Saint-Germain, who drew 1-1 against Borussia Dortmund, Milan lost the goal difference. PSG also won head-to-head with Milan.

With these results, Milan finally competed in Europe's second caste. Meanwhile, PSG accompanied Dortmund to compete in the last 16 of the Champions League.

MIlan himself had to work hard when he visited Newcastle's headquarters. In the matches that must be won by Newcastle and Milan, both teams attack each other.

The hosts threatened Milan's defense through Bruno Guimaraes. Only his hard shot was saved by goalkeeper Mike Maignan so he bounced past the crossbar.

Next, it was Milan's turn to break into Newcastle's goal through Rafael Leao. However, this Portuguese player still hit the post.

Newcastle took the lead when midfielder Joelinton found Milan in the 33rd minute. The 1-0 score, which opened up the hosts' hopes, lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, Newcastle should have tried to defend their lead. But Milan instead played better and outperformed Newcastle in possession.

As a result, winger Christian Pulisic managed to equalize in the 59th minute. The former Chelsea player met Olivier Giroud's mature pass and completed it to a goal.

Milan also surprised Newcastle when they turned ahead through Samuel Chukwueze in the 84th minute.

Goals were created through a Rossoneri counter-attack and ended by Noah Okafor who sent a pass to Chukwueze. Through this assist, this Nigerian national team player broke into Newcastle's goal.

The score changed to 2-1 and lasted until the end of the match. Milan also qualified and started the fight in the Europa League.