Paris Saint-Germain’s £52 million summer signing Manuel Ugarte paid a reluctant tribute to Newcastle United and their famously feverish fanbase after that 4-1 Champions League hammering.
On Newcastle United’s first outing in Europe’s premiere club competition in two long decades, those bellowing their lungs out on the St James’ terraces were determined to make it a night to remember, regardless of the result on the pitch.
Fortunately, Eddie Howe’s turbo-powered charges made that rather easy. A four-goal hammering of a Paris Saint-Germain side boasting Gigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Goncalo Ramos and arguably the world’s greatest footballer; Kylian Mbappe rendered anonymous by Newcastle’s formidable press.
Newcastle United hammer Paris Saint-Germain
“We expected to have a better match but the difference (between the two sides) was very big in the game,” accepts Ugarte, the £52 million PSG enforcer who spent much of the evening chasing black-and-white shadows (RMC Sport).
“Newcastle played very well and did good pressing. They were very well organised. They had great determination.
“The atmosphere had an influence on the match. Newcastle are strong at home. It was not our best match. We could have done more. The score remains harsh. We could have been more aggressive, we could have shown a better state of mind, but the atmosphere will have been favourable to them.”
The sight of Anthony Gordon forcing the ball out of play just seconds from kick-off and then gesturing ferociously to the baying St James’ stands certainly was a sign of things to come.
The former Everton winger might not have got his name on the scoresheet – unlike Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar – but he arguably epitomised a thrilling performance better than anyone.
A famous night at St James’ Park
“I think they were a little more aggressive because they were back at home in the Champions League and that’s not usual for them,” Ugarte adds.
“It’s not a criticism. The truth is that the atmosphere helped them. I think we could have done more in terms of attitude and on an individual level, but these are matches that happen sometimes.”
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