Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain missed out on a Champions League last-eight spot after a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes.
In an evening full of twists and turns, PSG took early control of Vitinha’s goal after Nick Pope saved Ousmane Dembele’s penalty, which was awarded for a controversial handball on Lewis Miley.
However, Newcastle showed so much character and earned a deserved equalizer with Joe Willock’s first goal in nearly a year, which at that stage of the evening saw them move up into the top eight alongside PSG.
It wasn’t to stay that way as goals elsewhere saw the two sides drop into the play-offs, both chasing a winner to avoid the play-offs.
It produced end-to-end football and Newcastle probably had the best chance to win, with substitute Harvey Barnes firing over from close range with the goal at his mercy.
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Michael Dawson couldn’t believe Harvey Barnes missed a chance late on in Newcastle’s crucial Champions League game against PSG
In the end, both sides had to settle for a point as they now face a two-legged play-off in February – a draw for which Friday’s draw will see PSG and Newcastle, who are both seeded, be paired with either Karabagh or Monaco.
Newcastle clinched their place in the play-off holders with a deserved draw
Joe Wheelock celebrates after equalizing for Newcastle in Paris
Newcastle were denied victory in Paris two seasons ago by a controversial late penalty for handball, and after 60 seconds they were controversially penalized again for a handball on Miley inside 60 seconds.
Malick Thiav appeared to clear Bradley Barkola’s hand before striking Miley, prompting VAR official Christian Dingert to send referee Slavko Vincic to the pitch monitor. The referee belatedly pointed to the spot, but Pope dived to his left to make a brilliant save from Dembele’s spot-kick.
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Michael Dawson celebrates Nick Pope’s penalty save from Ousmane Dembele after PSG were awarded a soft penalty against Newcastle in the Champions League
However, PSG’s early onslaught continued and Howe’s side fell behind after just eight minutes after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked out Vitinja, who fired past Pope into the bottom corner.
PSG threatened to be out of sight but Newcastle fought their way back into the game as Willock pounced on Dan Byrne’s shot to head powerfully past goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.
After the break, Newcastle were in contention with PSG as Safonov denied Jacob Ramsey at his near post before Willock saw a second goal ruled out for offside after running into Lewis Hall’s quick free-kick.
Chances came at both ends but the big moment of the match fell to Barnes after Anthony Gordon’s cross was deflected to him but he fired into the side netting as Newcastle had to settle for a draw and the play-offs.
Barnes will have nightmares about the missus
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Michael Daswon has given his verdict on Newcastle’s outstanding performance against PSG, but they missed out on a place in the top eight of the Champions League.
Michael Dawson on the football special:
“Newcastle were exceptional after a difficult opening 15 minutes.
“They did a brilliant job and got back into the game so well.”
“They were firmly in the game going into the closing stages as Eddie Howe made a number of attacking changes.”
“Did they want to get a chance? They did.”
“Harvey Barnes was four or five yards out. He had to hit the target. It was a big chance for Newcastle and Barnes got it all wrong. He’ll have nightmares about that miss.
“It was a great performance for Newcastle though. They got a huge reception from the traveling fans and Howe will be so proud of his team.”
“They were so close to the top eight, but now it’s the playoffs.”
How pleased I am with Newcastle’s display
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe:
“There was a lot going on in that game that we had to deal with, not only with the opponents, who are an outstanding team, but also with the decisions that went against us, nothing more than handball. Deja vu for us, two years later. I couldn’t believe it.”
“I know Nick saved the penalty, but it created a feeling that added to the early stages of the game where we were under pressure and I thought the lads did really well to see that.
“We grew into the game. It took us 25 minutes, half an hour to really find our feet and when we did I thought we were really good for the rest of the game.”
“I thought we showed really good feet and athleticism because we had to threaten them in a different way and I thought we got stronger as the game went on, in that regard. Harvey’s chance at the end is probably our best chance to win.”
“It was really pleasing to see us go from end to end, fitness-wise, after a really tough schedule.
The story of the game in statistics…
When are the 2025/26 Champions League final stages?
- Playoff draw: January 30, 2026
- Knockout playoffs: 17-18 and 24-25 February 2026
- Round of 16: 10-11 and 17-18 March 2026
- Quarterfinals: 7-8 and 14-15 April 2026
- Semi-final: April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2026
- The final: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Upcoming Newcastle fixtures…
- January 31: Liverpool (a), Premier League
- February 4: Man City (a) – Carabao Cup semi-final second leg
- February 7: Brentford (h), Premier League
- February 11: Tottenham (a), Premier League
- February 14: Aston Villa (a) – FA Cup fourth round
- February 17 or 18 – Karabagh or Monaco, the first match of the Champions League playoffs
- February 21 – Man City (a), Premier League
- February 24 or 25 – Karabagh or Monaco, the second leg of the Champions League playoff
- February 28 – Everton (h), Premier League