Newcastle United fail to advance directly to the Champions League Round of 16; Eddie Howe: We gave it our all.

2026-01-30 02:46

Newcastle United, nicknamed the "Magpies," managed a 1-1 draw against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial eighth-round match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, coming back from behind to secure the win through a goal from Willock. Eddie Howe stated that his team gave their all in the match and would accept the result.

Barcora's cross in the 2nd minute struck Lewis Myly's hand, resulting in a penalty for Paris Saint-Germain. Dembele's penalty was then saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Pope. In the 8th minute, Kvaratskhria's cross found Vitinha, who unleashed a long-range shot from the edge of the box to give Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 lead.

In the first half stoppage time, Dan Bourne headed the ball across the goal, and Willock headed it in to equalize for Newcastle at 1-1.

Ultimately, Newcastle United held Paris Saint-Germain to a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes. Failing to secure all three points, Newcastle finished 12th in the standings with 14 points, thus missing out on direct qualification for the Champions League Round of 16. Paris Saint-Germain, in 11th place, will also have to participate in the play-offs.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said, "That wasn't our initial goal. We always wanted direct qualification, but I think whatever the final result is, we have to accept it. We know this will be our last game at this stage, and if we have to win to qualify, it will be very difficult, and that's exactly where we are."

"We have done everything we can to win the game and pursue victory as much as possible, but at the same time we cannot put ourselves in a position where we might lose, because that would not help us at all."

Eddie Howe also stated, "We put in everything we could to try and get into the top 8. But we just fell short, so now we have to take another path."

Furthermore, Newcastle goalkeeper Pope, who made a crucial block in the match, said, "If you're down by two goals early on here, the game becomes very difficult, so being able to save their penalty and stay in the competition when you're only one goal down shows the team's attitude and resilience. We showed real maturity and ultimately came back to win."

Image source: Internet