Brave Newcastle fall short but Willock leveller sends PSG to playoffs too

Newcastle United produced a spirited display at the Parc des Princes, ultimately falling short of securing an automatic Champions League qualification spot but leaving PSG with more to ponder ahead of their own knockout phase.

The Magpies' 1-1 draw against the reigning champions marked a welcome respite from Sunday's defeat against Aston Villa. Five changes to Newcastle's starting lineup, which included the introduction of back three, allowed Eddie Howe's team to regain some semblance of control. However, PSG were far from out of it and forced their way ahead with a penalty, awarded just 45 seconds into play after Lewis Miley was deemed to have committed an elbow on Bradley Barcola.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia then doubled the lead for Paris Saint-Germain, but Newcastle pulled level with Joe Willock scoring from close range before the half-time break. The draw ensured that neither team would be relegated to the knockout phase, but it will still prove a significant setback for PSG's title ambitions.

Newcastle's spirited performance and improved defensive setup under Eddie Howe should give fans hope for their position in the Champions League standings moving forward. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain will have to regroup after what was an uncharacteristically tame display from them at home against Newcastle United.

The draw was a big deal for Newcastle, they showed some real grit and determination! That back three system seems to be working out pretty well, I'm loving the solidity in their defense And to score that equalizer just before half-time? That's what you call a team effort! Joe Willock deserves a lot of credit for that one PSG will have to get their act together after that display, it was pretty underwhelming Maybe they're feeling the pressure of defending their title

I gotta say, PSG got roasted today! They were all over Newcastle like a bad rash and their defense was straight non-existent . I mean, who lets Joe Willock score an easy header? Not exactly the kind of performances you want to see from your title contenders . On the other hand, Newcastle played some solid football too , especially with that back three change they made. It's a win-win for them, but PSG is definitely gonna have to step it up their game if they wanna stay on top .

PSG gotta get it together ASAP ! They were so flat against Newcastle and that penalty is still gonna sting . I mean, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal was sweet, but that Joe Willock equalizer? . The Magpies' new defensive setup under Eddie Howe is definitely giving them a boost . PSG can't afford to drop points like that and they'll have to regroup for their next match . Newcastle might not be out of the Champions League picture just yet #PSG #NewcastleUnited #ChampionsLeague

omg that game was CRAZY!!! PSG got thrashed by Newcastle!! I know they're still a top team but omg 1-1 draw is still a major win for Newcastle lol they showed up big time and gave PSG a run for their money psg looked so tame lol kvaratskhelia is so underrated though

idk why ppl r saying they're relieved about this draw lol its like a big middle finger to PSG's title hopes and also, how can they expect to go far in the Champions League after getting thrashed by AVL last week? at least Newcastle tried somethin new with that back three setup but still, PSG's gonna bounce back strong

I feel so bad for PSG! They were supposed to be on top of things and now they're having second thoughts about their title chances . But, gotta give credit to Newcastle, they totally showed up and gave it their all . Five changes to their lineup? That's some serious risk-taking, but it paid off in the end! I'm so impressed by Eddie Howe's coaching skills - he must be on top of his game right now . And omg, Joe Willock's goal was SICK ! Can't wait to see what Newcastle does next season

I'm lovin' this comeback from Newcastle ! They played some solid defense and got a decent draw out of it, considering PSG is basically unbeatable at home . The stats are wild, though - they changed 5 players mid-game and still managed to hold their own against the reigning champs . And what's up with PSG? Uncharacteristically tame? They've been on fire all season ! The drop in form from Paris is gonna be a big concern for them ahead of their knockout phase .

PSG is just so used to getting their way and now they're worried about a draw? It's like they thought it was all over for them the moment they scored that penalty... Newsflash, guys: you can't win it in one game! Newcastle played some solid footy and I'm loving how Eddie Howe's team is stepping up their game. But PSG needs to get its act together, pronto!

OMG I'm still reeling from this match lol like Newcastle totally brought it! 5 changes to their starting lineup and they're still able to hold their own against PSG I feel bad for PSG though, it's like they were caught off guard or something? And don't even get me started on that penalty call so unfair. But honestly, both teams played well, Newcastle showed some major improvement under Eddie Howe and now they gotta be all about the Champions League qualification spot let's see if they can keep this momentum going!

I think it's good that Newcastle gave PSG a run for their money, they showed some real spirit . But on the other hand, PSG were still able to get away with a draw, which is kinda weird given how dominant they usually are at home . I mean, five changes to Newcastle's lineup and they're still able to hang in there? That's not bad, but it also shows that PSG aren't as invincible as people think . Either way, it's been an interesting match and I'm curious to see how both teams bounce back from this draw .

idk, i mean, PSG is obviously one of the best teams in europe, but that draw is still a major bummer for them, especially with the title race heating up . meanwhile, Newcastle's defense was solid as heck and eddie howe did an amazing job making those 5 subs... but at the same time, i don't think they're good enough to keep pace with psg and man city in the actual champions league runoffs

I'm kinda surprised PSG didn't totally steamroll Newcastle. I mean, they're the reigning champions and all that . But Newcastle's back three change made a big difference, it seemed to give 'em more stability in defense. And Joe Willock's goal was a nice reward for all their hard work . The fact that PSG didn't play to their usual level is what's really got me thinking - they're a team with so much talent and depth, but somehow they just couldn't get it together against Newcastle . Still, you can't help but feel that Newcastle might be in for a sweet ride in the Champions League .

OMG, I'm so hyped about that draw ! I mean, PSG is still one of the top teams in the league, but Newcastle showed some serious grit and determination . 5 changes to their starting lineup? That's a bold move by Eddie Howe! And to be honest, it paid off pretty well . The back three system seems to be working out for them, and Joe Willock's goal was pure magic . I know PSG is still in the knockout phase, but I think Newcastle can definitely hold their own from here on out . Let's see if they can keep this momentum going!

I don't get why PSG's defense is so sloppy . They're supposed to be one of the top teams in Europe and they get beat by a team that's been struggling, like Newcastle? And now they have more to worry about with their title ambitions... it's like they just phoned it in at home . Newcastle might not be as good as PSG, but they're definitely the better team today . PS5 can't even fix this kind of defensive issue, so what's next?

OMG that PSG got thrashed by Newcastle I mean, they're the reigning champs and they get taken down by a team they were supposed to crush and now they've got more to think about than just their own knockout phase . And what's with that penalty call? it was basically a freebie for PSG and they just ran with it . Anyways, Newcastle proved themselves today and I'm actually kinda hyped about the future of the team

psg just got robbed with that penalty call , doesnt make sense how they went from 0-1 down to 2-1 up in like 45 seconds... meanwhile newcastle looks way more organized and solid under eddie howe , hope this draws gives them some momentum for the rest of the season

PSG needs to step up their game seriously! I mean, they're supposed to be the champions and they get outplayed by Newcastle?! 5 changes in the starting lineup just didn't seem enough. And that penalty call was straight out of a joke . Kvaratskhelia's goal was sick tho, but it wasn't enough to save PSG from having to watch Newcastle pull level. On the other hand, Newcastle's defense is looking solid and I'm loving Eddie Howe's tactics . They might just have a shot at making a run in the Champions League after all!