The Champions League group stage is back and kicks off tonight with the hugely anticipated return of Newcastle to the competition after over 20 years away. The Magpies are back at Europe’s top table less than two years after their Saudi-backed takeover, looking to make an impression on the biggest stage.
Eddie Howe & Co., though, could not have a tougher task after being drawn into the so-called ‘group of death’ along with Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and tonight’s opponents. AC Milan reached the semi-finals last season, though are not exactly full of confidence as they welcome Newcastle to the San Siro just three days after a 5-1 derby loss to huge rivals Inter.
Given the strength of Group F, a win tonight would give either team a much-needed platform to build upon. Newcastle have to do that without star midfielder Joelinton, but summer signing Sandro Tonali starts against his former club and Alexander Isak leads the line. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog below!
Live updates
63 mins: Here are some Newcastle changes.
Almiron and Wilson on, Murphy and Gordon making way. That means Isak is shifting out to the left wing.
61 mins: Chukwueze off for Milan, Pulisic the man to replace him. Pobega also off as Reijnders comes on.
Howe not turning to his bench yet. Almiron, Barnes and Wilson among those waiting in reserve…
60 mins: Chance for Newcastle to break, Gordon leading the charge on the left.
Looks to play Isak in down the side of the Milan defence, too much on the pass though and Tomori can come across to take charge. Wasted opportunity that.
57 mins: It’s Krunic, not a huge amount of pace on the ball and big Burn can clear.
Milan will get another chance though, Newcastle losing their discipline in the last few minutes. Very similar position on the opposite side of the pitch.
Once again, Burn is there!
56 mins: Tonali penalised twice in about 20 seconds, getting stuck in against his former side. Chukwueze skipped past him and the Newcastle midfielder dragged him down.
Good position this out wide, Hernandez or Krunic can whip something into the box.
53 mins: Space opening up for both sides, Florenzi dragging his shot wide from distance.
Not going to stay goalless for much longer if this pattern continues…
51 mins: Speaking of questionable decisions…
Gordon switches the play out to the right, loads of space for Murphy. Trippier flying forward on the overlap, he’s completely free, but Murphy lashes an effort at goal from miles out. Way over the bar.
49 mins: Schar is shown a yellow card – that looks incredibly harsh.
Challenged in the air for the ball, beats Portega to win the header but the referee decides he had an elbow out. Not sure about that.
47 mins: Newcastle have started the half well, straight on the front foot.
Gordon lays the ball off for Tonali, he cuts onto his right foot and goes for goal from 20 yards out. Blocked.
Back underway!
Up and running in the second-half!
Florenzi on for Calabria at the break, as Milan make a half-time change.
