It was heartbreak for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe as they bowed out of Europe in an agonising fashion on Wednesday.
Newcastle United fans knew their team was in for a difficult ride in their Group F decider against last season’s Champions League semi-finalist, AC Milan.
But after 33 minutes, Joelinton had sent the St James’ Park crowd into party mode when his bullet of a strike opened the scoring.
Both Thierry Henry and Micah Richards were left impressed by the Brazil star and his ‘absolutely outstanding’ efforts, as they told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (13/12/23 at 10:10 pm).
At that moment, the Toon Army faithful were in dreamland because they were heading to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
But with Newcastle still newcomers to the Champions League after a two-decade absence, the experience and know-how of AC Milan pulled through to the disappointment of the home crowd.
Newcastle United v AC Milan
“Look how aggressive they are and how many numbers they get forward,” said Richards about Joelinton’s goal.
“Just look at the little touch from Miley, a 17-year-old. But this finish is absolutely outstanding. Look at that. Have some of that!”
Henry added: “It is fantastic. I don’t think he means to lift it. He is trying to cushion it and leave it on the ground.
“What he does ever so well is that he reacts. He really caught into it and what a strike.”
No Europe post-Christmas for Newcastle
Other than losing the League Cup final to Manchester United, this defeat and exit from Europe will hurt the most for the Newcastle fans – Paul Merson couldn’t believe what he was hearing about Eddie Howe post-UCL exit.
Even if the team had secured Europa League football, it would have still been met with a lot of appreciation.
But Howe needs to look at the positives and the fact that his team won’t be playing twice a week during the second half of the campaign.
That boosts their chances of securing Champions League football next season because, as of this moment, they are behind the eight-ball.
Both Tottenham and Aston Villa finished behind the Magpies last season, but this time around, they have a challenge on their hands.
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