Newcastle United were robbed of a huge three points in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, drawing 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League after Kylian Mbappe’s controversial 98th-minute penalty.
PSG may have started the brighter of the two teams in Paris, but Alexander Isak was first to get his name on the scoresheet. There was some lovely work from Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento in the build-up, but it was the Swedish forward who provided the crucial touch after firing home from close range.
What a goal. Starts with the deep run from Miley to create space, ends up with a Messi-esque run from Livramento. Alexander Isak doing what he does best.
That’s a huge goal, and a huge shock to the group. Got to maintain focus and physical levels here.— Sanjay (@nufcsanjay) November 28, 2023
Tino Livramento – what a prospect. Fearless, good touch/decision-making. Great run across edge of #PSG area in build-up to Isak goal. #NUFC#PSGNEW— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) November 28, 2023
However, Isak was given a very literal helping hand from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian parrying Miguel Almiron’s weak effort into his path. For someone of the 24-year-old’s reputation, it was a major error.
Gianluigi Donnarumma the current leader in the “must play brilliantly when I don’t watch” stakes. That parry out was absolutely dismal— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) November 28, 2023
Donnarumma with the earliest decline in GK history man peaked when he was 12— ! (@Kashe1dz) November 28, 2023
There was plenty of praise for Newcastle’s youngsters – 21-year-old Livramento and 17-year-old Lewis Miley. For the latter, it was a first Champions League start, an opportunity the midfielder took with aplomb.
Lewis Miley is a name that will be remembered for a long time. His 1st UCL start tonight, and he looks right at home up against Mbappe and Co— lucy pritty (@lucypritty1) November 28, 2023
Livramento has been immense, Lewis Miley too. I’m not worried about this squad – Howe has them in numbers waiting their turn— Sarah Schijen (@SarahSchijen) November 28, 2023
As impressive as Newcastle had been, they certainly had Nick Pope to thank for some fine saves. The goalkeeper produced a phenomenal stop to deny Bradley Barcola in the second half from just six yards out.
Ridiculous save Nick Pope, that looked like a certain goal.— Andy (@LetsTalk_FPL) November 28, 2023
Nick Pope’s performance is one for the ages. Astonishing save.— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) November 28, 2023
However, despite all of Newcastle’s efforts, it was a controversial late penalty that robbed them of three crucial points. The ball struck Livramento’s arm but it had bounced off his chest first. An incredibly harsh decision, with Mbappe making no mistake from the spot
How on earth is that a penalty for PSG. Ludicrous!— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 28, 2023
Heartbreaking for @NUFC. Such a good performance. Never in a million years is that a penalty. We are further away from applying consistency to the handball rule than we’ve ever been. @ChampionsLeague— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) November 28, 2023
Despite the heartbreak for Newcastle fans, they were proud of their side’s performance, with the Magpies’ Champions League destiny still in their hands.
NEVER 8 minutes, NEVER a penalty. Absolute disgrace. Totally cheated out of an amazing victory. I feel cheated & sick. Newcastle United you were amazing, so proud of you.— Mick Edmondson (@MadMickToonDJ) November 28, 2023
Absolute disgrace of a decision. So unbelievably proud of Newcastle tonight – the boys worked their socks off 🖤🤍🖤🤍— Cameron Wilson (@CamJohnWilson) November 28, 2023
