Champions League
Newcastle draw AC Milan on Champions League return
Newcastle marked their 20-year absence from the Champions League with a creditable draw at AC Milan.
Eddie Howe’s side had a hard-fought 0-0 draw with AC Milan at San Siro on Tuesday, as the Serie A club spurned numerous opportunities in the Group F opener.
They made their return to Europe’s best club competition after coming fourth in the Premier League the previous season, and this was their first match in a difficult Group F that also included French champions Paris St-Germain and German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.
As Milan dominated the first half, Nick Pope saved excellently from Olivier Giroud and Theo Hernandez; they were reminded of the difficulty of games in this competition.
Rafael Leao fluffed a wonderful chance to score after a brilliant solo run, and Newcastle were fortunate to go into the interval level.
However, the game became considerably more even in the second half. Former Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali had a shot blocked for the visitors, while Tijjani Reijnders forced Pope into a good save with a low drive.
Leao had a great chance to win it late on when he went between two Newcastle defenders to meet a cross, but he headed just wide.
In the end, there was no breakthrough, but a point at the San Siro was surely a positive outcome for Newcastle.
