Champions League hits and misses: Newcastle’s unlikely heroes have Magpies dreaming after thrashing PSG summed up by Kylian Mbappe misery

Unlikely heroes make Newcastle dream

How do you even begin to summarize such a mind-bogglingly brilliant evening for Newcastle? “I’m at a loss for words,” said goalscorer Sean Longstaff after their third goal. He could be too.

Many thought his days were numbered when the Saudis took over, transforming the club’s financial power overnight, but here he is, two years later, as one of two Newcastle fans from his youth , along with defender Dan Burn, who not only played but also scored in a historic championship match. League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

The identity of their goalscorers reflects the incredible work of manager Eddie Howe. Newcastle’s wealth is unparalleled, but this is not a team of superstars. Miguel Almiron was a punchline not too long ago. Fabian Schar was bought under Rafael Benitez for £3 million.

But these are the players who helped Newcastle to the Champions League last season, so it was fitting that they were the center of attention on Wednesday evening as they officially announced their arrival in the competition at a jubilant St. James’ Park.

Newcastle were without some key figures – including the injured Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Joelinton – but that didn’t matter. Kylian Mbappé and his teammates were among those who looked intimidated by the occasion, awash in the black and white shirts.

Howe spoke afterwards of the “spirit and energy” of his team, but it was difficult for him to do justice to what he had seen. “There are so many stories to talk about,” he said. Newcastle fans, including Longstaff and Burn, will enjoy these stories for years to come.
Nick Wright

Mbappe’s misery sums up PSG’s challenge

In their long-running bid to become Kings of Europe, PSG changed their transfer strategy this summer, moving away from the ‘Galacticos’-style signings of Lionel Messi and Neymar for a younger, French team.

That’s why French players like Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani and Lucas Hernandez were all signed for big money. But Newcastle’s own homegrown squad walked through it, to show they are no closer to showing at least the requisite pride to take on a challenge.

In a team that has changed so much, Kylian Mbappé is one of the few pillars. His performance in Newcastle epitomized why PSG have fought for victory at this level for so long.

Mbappe’s body language as Newcastle’s goals flew in gave the impression of someone who would rather be somewhere else – which is no surprise given his recent transfer sagas.

That individualistic mood is the opposite message that PSG is trying to convey in this new era. The balancing act of utilizing Mbappe’s talents and overseeing this young revolution is the main challenge facing Luis Enrique this season.
Sam Blitz

‘Great’ Lewis shows huge promise for City

The presence of Rodri, who is currently serving a domestic ban, brought a noticeable calm that was missing in his absence in Saturday’s defeat at Wolves.

Yet it was Rico Lewis, playing alongside him in midfield, who turned heads with his determination to win possession and some strengths.

On his player-of-the-match performance, Pep Guardiola said: “Wow! He is a great, excellent player. I have been a manager for many years. It is difficult to find someone like him who moves very well. He is 18 years old. He is a fantastic player.” player.”

Lewis had City’s first serious chance after a nice turn in the area, but his shot was blocked. He always showed himself, was always involved. City’s opener came from another attack initiated by Lewis, finished by Phil Foden, made in Manchester.

This made Lewis, aged 18 years and 317 days, the youngest City player to provide an assist in the Champions League. It was also his first for his club in 29 appearances in all competitions.

At 1-1, Erling Haaland almost found the late breakthrough before it happened, thanks to Lewis’ beautiful five-yard pass. Some began to question City’s depth after two successive defeats, but here came an emphatic response.
Ben Grounds

Mistakes cost Celtic again

Celtic have only played two games but it feels like that late goal from Pedro Rodriguez has done more damage to Celtic than just denying them a point. It could have destroyed their hopes of staying in this competition after Christmas.

If either team deserved to win, it was Celtic. The fact that they ended the match with nothing to show for their efforts will be a huge blow to Brendan Rodgers and his team.

Celtic did some really good things, they scored a fantastic goal and although they dropped deeper after Lazio equalised, they regained ground in the second half and gained more control.

They held the ball excellently for the ten minutes prior to Luis Palma’s disallowed try and were the better team for a good part of the second half.

It’s brutal at this level and you both have to capitalize when you’re at the top and root out mistakes. The second of those things is Celtic’s real Achilles heel. They consistently cause their own problems in Europe.

Liam Scales got away with two big mistakes in the first half, Cameron Carter-Vickers was less lucky in the run-up to the winning goal.

The Europa League may be Scottish football’s best hope for European football in the new year.
Alison Conroy and Mark Benstead