December 26, 2024

Newcastle vs PSG LIVE: Champions League result and final score as Fabian Schar screamer completes thrashing

Newcastle #Newcastle

A rampant Newcastle put in a stellar showing to secure a superb 4-1 victory over French champions Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League home match in 20 years on Wednesday.

In a red-hot atmosphere in the north east, PSG had no answer to the relentless hosts who raced into a 17th-minute lead through Miguel Almiron, before Dan Burn powered a header home six minutes before the break to double Newcastle’s advantage.

The crowd ensured there was no let up after the break, with Sean Longstaff drilling a third under the arm of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the PSG goal five minutes into the second half to send the Newcastle fans into dreamland.

A goal out of nowhere from Lucas Hernandez got the visitors back in it, before a stoppage-time fourth from defender Fabian Schar capped a stunning victory that moved Newcastle top of Group F on four points, one clear of PSG in second.

In the group’s other contest on Wednesday, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan played out a 0-0 draw in Germany, Milan’s second stalemate in their opening two Champions League matches this season.

Follow all the reaction and updates from Newcastle vs PSG below and get the latest odds and tips here.

Champions League: Newcastle vs PSG

  • Newcastle’s local heroes stun PSG to twist a tale of geopolitical tension

  • Newcastle defeat PSG in the Champions League clash at St. James’ Park

  • Eddie Howe’s men move to top of Group F replacing PSG lead with four points

  • 90+1’ GOAL! – Schar secures the win with a lovely strike (NEW 4-1 PSG)

  • 77’ SAVE! – Pope denies Dembele from inside the box (NEW 3-1 PSG)

  • 56’ GOAL! – Hernandez pulls one back for PSG (NEW 3-1 PSG)

  • 50’ GOAL! – Longstaff meets Trippier’s pass and smokes it into the net (NEW 3-0 PSG)

  • 42’ GOAL! – Burn nods in Newcastle’s second after VAR intervention (NEW 2-0 PSG)

  • 17’ GOAL! – Almiron sends Newcastle ahead after Marquinhos mistake (NEW 1-0 PSG)

  • 14’ SHOT! – Almiron blazes a shot from range over the top (NEW 0-0 PSG)

  • 5’ CHANCE! – Mbappe tees up Dembele who volleys his effort wide (NEW 0-0 PSG)

  • Newcastle United FC 4 – 1 Paris Saint-Germain FC

    Newcastle’s local heroes stun PSG to twist a tale of geopolitical tension

    22:23 , Mike Jones

    Geopolitics and Dan Burn can make for strange bedfellows but Saudi Arabia against Qatar was decided by the boy from Blyth and the lad from North Shields. Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain’s owners brought the Middle East to the north-east but, while there is a bigger picture and wider ambitions, United’s locals wrote their own credibility defying script on a seminal, spectacular night.

    Burn outscored Kylian Mbappe, his fellow Geordie Sean Longstaff did what the rest of PSG’s star-studded forward line could not and found the net and Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar completed arguably Newcastle’s greatest game for many a year. On another chastening, harrowing night for the serial disappointments from the French capital, Newcastle’s unlikely lads seized control of the Champions League’s supposed group of death.

    And if there is a more serious meaning to the last word than being condemned to the Europa League, Newcastle’s scorers lent the game a different feel. Saudi Arabia did not buy Newcastle to make Burn’s dreams come true but his has been the most endearing story of a project with many facets, some more wholesome than others.

    Newcastle’s local heroes stun PSG to twist a tale of geopolitical tension

    Post-match reaction from Dan Burn

    22:42 , Mike Jones

    “Crazy. It has not sunk in, I am a bit speechless. We wanted to entertain the crowd and get the crowd behind us, but we did well.

    “Amazing. When the flag went up I was gutted [after scoring his goal]. I was so angry for Bruno shooting, it comes back and soon as it got hung in the air I just went for it.

    “We knew PSG were not going to change the way they play. The times to play high up the pitch and we had the crowd pushing us, we had that for the last goal with the crowd pushing us on for Fabs [Fabian Schar] goal.

    “I just try to survive at that apprentice level and you try to work your way up. I was released by Fulham at 25 years old; to comeback and play Champions League football – I am very proud.

    “It is like dream I am waiting for someone to wake me up, I am waiting for the bubble to pop. We have a great group and what the gaffer [Eddie Howe] has done with the philosophy we have got.”

    FT Newcastle 4-1 PSG

    22:29 , Mike Jones

    This was Newcastle’s biggest ever winning margin in a Champions League match.

    It surpasses a pair of 3-1 wins over Bayer Leverkusen in the second group stage of 2002/03.

    FT Newcastle 4-1 PSG

    22:27 , Mike Jones

    This is the heaviest Champions League defeat for PSG since the infamous ‘Remontada’ of March 2017, when Barcelona overcome a 4-0 first-leg deficit to knock them out in the last 16 with a devastating 6-1 win at Camp Nou.

    Sean Longstaff speaking to TNT Sports

    22:20 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff spoke to TNT Sports after his team’s big win saying: “It’s some night.

    “We knew as a group it was going to be special. For me and Burny to score is unreal. There’s a few here who probably thought three years ago we were out the door.

    “I’m so proud to be from Newcastle, I’m over the moon.”

    22:14 , Mike Jones

    PSG striker Goncalo Ramos spoke to Canal+ after the game saying: “We tried to play our game but they’re a good team.

    “I don’t think it’s a nightmare even if it was a big loss. We had our chances and it’s just a matter of little details. It was for Newcastle today.

    “I think they were sharper in the duels and took their chances. That’s why they won.”

    FT Newcastle 4-1 PSG

    22:13 , Mike Jones

    FT Newcastle 4-1 PSG

    22:08 , Mike Jones

    AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund have drawn 0-0 in the other Group F match of the night meaning that Newcastle United are now top of the table.

    What a result.

    Kylian Mbappe frustrated as PSG humbled by Newcastle in Champions League

    22:02 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle stunned Paris Saint-Germain on their first Champions League match at St James’ Park in 20 years as goals from Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar sealed a famous 4-1 win.

    Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half when Almiron steered a composed finish inside the post before Burn doubled their lead before the break with a towering heder, awarded following a VAR check.

    Longstaff added a dream third for Eddie Howe’s side and although Lucas Hernandez pulled one back for the visitors, the French champions and star forward Kylian Mbappe were subdued as they suffered a shock defeat.

    Kylian Mbappe frustrated as PSG humbled by Newcastle in Champions League

    Full-time! Newcastle 4-1 PSG

    22:01 , Mike Jones

    90+5 mins: There’s the whistle. Newcastle have done it. A famous night in their European history ends with a famous victory over the French champions.

    Eddie Howe’s men have blown PSG away at St. James’ Park. Four goals and a first Champions League victory in more than 20 years moves them to the top of Group F.

    They’ll certainly be thinking about qualifying for the knockout rounds now.

    GOAL! Newcastle 4-1 PSG (Schar, 90+1’)⚽️

    21:56 , Mike Jones

    90+1 mins: Even better! Fabian Schar blasts home a curling rocket from outside the box to secure all three points for Newcastle United.

    They’ve beaten PSG in Champions League. What a performance from Eddie Howe’s men.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:54 , Mike Jones

    90 mins: Five minutes of stoppage time to play at St. James’ Park. Can Newcastle hold out and claim the win?

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:50 , Mike Jones

    86 mins: Less than five minutes to go in this clash. Mbappe is fed the ball on the left wing and runs into the box. There’s a wall of black and white shirts ahead of him though and he’s forced to lay it off.

    He pings the ball to Vitinha who smokes a shot over the top of the goal.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:47 , Mike Jones

    83 mins: Jamaal Lascelles pops up at the right time to slide into a tackle on Kylian Mbappe. The Newcastle captain wins the ball and pokes it out for a throw in allowing his team to regroup defensively.

    Lascelles is cheered by the watching fans for his efforts.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:46 , Mike Jones

    80 mins: Close! Another Newcastle free kick high up the pitch creates another brilliant chance for them to secure the game. Kieran Trippier swings the ball onto the head of Bruno Guimaraes.

    The midfielder may just have leaned offside but it doesn’t matter as his header is softly knocked into the hands of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:41 , Mike Jones

    77 mins: Save! The ball is fizzed up to Ousmane Dembele who flicks it inside of Dan Burn and gets into the box. He then drills a right-footed effort at goal and forces Nick Pope into a fine save to deny him a goal.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:40 , Mike Jones

    75 mins: 15 minutes to play at St. James’ Park. There’s a bit of zip going out of Newcastle’s play now and they’re defending deeper inside their own half.

    It’s been a tasking match so far and they don’t want to mess up now.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:36 , Mike Jones

    72 mins: Eddie Howe’s first change of the night sees Miguel Almiron, who scored tonight’s first goal, replaced with Jacob Murhpy for the final 20 minutes at St. James’ Park.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:34 , Mike Jones

    69 mins: Anthony Gordon lunges into a challenge with Marquinhos. He wins the ball and follows through taking out the defender who arrives late.

    Gordon is the one who gets booked though. Free kick PSG.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:33 , Mike Jones

    66 mins: In the other Group F match of the night, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are drawing 0-0 meaning that Newcastle are heading to the top of the table if they close out this match.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:30 , Mike Jones

    63 mins: Manuel Ugarte is taken off now for PSG with Vitinha introduced to provide a bit of pace and verve into the French side’s midfield.

    Newcastle are fighting back after weathering a bit of a storm from PSG.

    Newcastle 3-1 PSG

    21:23 , Mike Jones

    60 mins: PSG needed that goal. They’ll be a force of nature over the next 30 minutes as they try to cut the deficit. Two goals is a good cushion for Newcastle but in the Champions League it isn’t a comfortable one.

    Bradley Barcola is on for the visitors with Randal Kolo Muani replaced.

    GOAL! Newcastle 3-1 PSG (Hernandez, 56’)⚽️

    21:21 , Mike Jones

    56 mins: Warren Zaire-Emery receives the ball and flicks a dainty pass over the top to meet Lucas Hernandez’s run in behind the Newcastle defence.

    The PSG defender turns the ball into the back of the net and PSG have one back!

    Work still to do for Newcastle here.

    Newcastle 3-0 PSG

    21:17 , Mike Jones

    53 mins: PSG have had 66% possession but they’ve done nothing with the ball. Newcastle seem dangerous with every attack and PSG’s defence just keeps falling apart.

    That was a simple move from the hosts but the French champions didn’t get anywhere near stopping the goal.

    GOAL! Newcastle 3-0 PSG (Longstaff, 50’)⚽️

    21:16 , Mike Jones

    50 mins: Another one!

    Miguel Almiron collects the ball on the halfway line and drives up the pitch. He feeds it out to Kieran Trippier who holds up the ball before slipping a simple pass into the penalty area for Sean Longstaff.

    Longstaff receives the pass and smashes it past Gianluigi Donnarumma to add Newcastle’s third!

    Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    21:13 , Mike Jones

    48 mins: Kylian Mbappe looks to have moved into a more fluid role allowing him to play more centrally for PSG. Ousmane Dembele brings the ball down the right side and up to the box.

    He pulls the ball back into the middle, through the legs of Dan Burn, but can’t pick out a teammate and the ball is hooked clear by Newcastle.

    Second half: Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    21:09 , Mike Jones

    No changes from either manager during the break as Alexander Isak gets the ball rolling for the second half at St. James’ Park. IT comes to Kieran Trippier who boots one long and helps Newcastle win an early throw in.

    HT Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    21:04 , Mike Jones

    PSG looked a bit stunned as they went into the half-time break. How will they respond in the second half?

    Kylian Mbappe hasn’t been effective at all barring one cross to set up a chance for Ousmane Dembele. He’ll need to get into the game more should the visitors hope to overturn this deficit.

    HT Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    21:00 , Mike Jones

    Half-time! Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    20:54 , Mike Jones

    45+7 mins: A brilliant first half comes to a close at St. James’ Park with Newcastle two goals to the good against the French champions.

    Miguel Almiron and Dan Burn are the scorers and Eddie Howe’s men are closing in on a historic Champions League victory.

    Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    20:48 , Mike Jones

    45+3 mins: PSG win a free kick over on the right side of the pitch where Ousmane Dembele swings a decent set piece into the middle.

    There are plenty of French runners but Nick Pope comes off his line and confidently punches the ball clear for the hosts.

    Newcastle 2-0 PSG

    20:46 , Mike Jones

    45 mins: Seven minutes of stoppage time to play at the end of the first half.

    GOAL! Newcastle 2-0 PSG (Burn, 42’)⚽️

    20:44 , Michael Jones

    42 mins: It’s a goal!

    The offside flag went up against Bruno Guimaraes initially but VAR decides he’s onside before crossing the ball to Dan Burn who powers himself towards the ball and heads it over the line.

    Newcastle have a second.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:43 , Mike Jones

    41 mins: Disallowed goal!

    Miguel Almiron has taken a knock now for Newcastle and is looking over to the bench as the hosts win a free kick. Kieran Trippier floats the ball into the box towards Jamaal Lascelles.

    He nods the ball down and sees Gianluigi Donnarumma flap it away. Bruno Guimaraes keeps it alive and shoots but the goalkeeper blocks the ball at the near post.

    It comes to Sandro Tonali who feeds Guimaraes a second time. This time he lifts the ball to the back post where Dan Burn rises and powers the ball over the line just as Donnarumma palms it away!

    That looks like a goal but the offside flag goes up. VAR is getting involved, do Newcastle have a second?

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:38 , Mike Jones

    38 mins: A bandage is wrapped around Isak’s head and he’ll be okay to continue. There’s a couple of minutes taken out of the game which should be added back on before half-time.

    Bruno Guimaraes dummies a pass before feeding the ball out to Sandro Tonali who kicks off a counter-attack for Newcastle by passing the ball to Anthony Gordon.

    Gordon drives down the wing but miscues a delivery into the box.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:36 , Mike Jones

    35 mins: The collision with Hernandez has cut Isak on the top of his right eye. The Newcastle medical team are assessing him on the pitch and will probably need to do a concussion protocol before he can play on.

    Newcastle are without Callum Wilson tonight so Isak will be a huge miss if he were to go off.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:34 , Mike Jones

    32 mins: Alexander Isak is unafraid to run at the PSG defence. Even when losing possession he puts on the burners to charge down the defenders and challenge to recover the ball.

    Isak slips as he presses Lucas Hernandez meaning both men collide and the Newcastle striker stays down.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:29 , Mike Jones

    29 mins: Before kick off it was thought that this match might be a free-flowing and high scoring match. It might yet turn out to be so.

    Goncalo Ramos brings the ball to the tip of Newcastle’s penalty area and shoots only for his effort to be blocked and turned wide by Fabian Schar.

    Nick Pope only saw the ball late and would have been struggling to get across to stop it.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:26 , Mike Jones

    26 mins: Kieran Trippier whips a low corner ball into the penalty area as Fabian Schar pulls away from the pack waiting in the middle of the box.

    The defender meets the ball and looks to curl a shot into the bottom corner of the goal but guides it just wide of the target. The hosts are very much on top here.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:24 , Mike Jones

    23 mins: Close! Warren Zaire-Emery takes advantage of Newcastle’s defence dropping away from him as the 17-year-old drives the ball forward.

    He lets fly with a shot from the edge of the box and pulls it wide of Nick Pope’s goal.

    Newcastle 1-0 PSG

    20:22 , Mike Jones

    20 mins: What a start for Newcastle. They’re now off the mark in the Champions League having played out a goalless draw against AC Milan in their opening fixture.

    Eddie Howe’s men now have something to defend but they’ll believe that more goals are there for the taking.

    GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 PSG (Almiron, 17’)⚽️

    20:19 , Michael Jones

    17 mins: Newcastle are in front!

    Marquinhos gives the ball away to Bruno Guimaraes who nods the ball to Alexander Isak. He turns and shoots but draws a wonderful save out of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    The ball deflects over to Miguel Almiron though and his left-footed strike it equally as good and he nestles it into the far corner having lifted the shot over the goalkeeper.

    Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:15 , Mike Jones

    14 mins: Marqunihos blocks Newcastle’s first shot at goal with causes another increase in volume from the Newcastle supporters. This is a decent game so far with both teams fizzing the ball around the pitch and looking to get high with pace.

    Miguel Almiron intercepts a loose pass and spins quickly towards goal. He belts a shot from range and lifts it over the crossbar.

    Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:13 , Mike Jones

    11 mins: The rain is starting to pour down on St. James’ Park now as Newcastle begin to find their feet in the game.

    Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon look sharp up top and there’s no sign of the hosts taking a back step against their more experienced opponents.

    Isak attempts to take on Marquinhos but clips the defender with a trailing arm and is punished for the foul.

    Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:10 , Mike Jones

    8 mins: Newcastle win a free kick just inside PSG’s half and Kieran Trippier floats an aerial ball up towards the penalty area. Jamaal Lascelles wins the ball and nods it further into the box where Dan Burn and Sandro Tonali are hovering around.

    Gianluigi Donnarumma gets to the ball first though and palms it into space before grabbing hold of the loose ball. That could have been a worrying moment for the visitors.

    Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:07 , Mike Jones

    5 mins: Chance! Kylian Mbappe is booed by the home fans when receiving his firs touch of the ball. Mbappe carries it to the edge of the box and cuts back onto his right foot before lifting a cross over to Ousmane Dembele on the opposite side of the penalty area.

    Dembele shoots on the volley but guides his effort mere inches wide of the far post. That was a close one.

    Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:04 , Mike Jones

    3 mins: Ousmane Dembele and Achraf Hakimi combine nicely on the right wing for the visitors. Hakimi making a forward run from his position at right-back and almost getting in behind Dan Burn.

    He has to stretch to recover the ball from Dembele’s pass and only manages to poke it out of play. It was a decent move from PSG though.

    At the other end of the pitch, Newcastle press well. Alexander Isak closes down Gianluigi Donnarumma who offloads the ball to Marquinhos.

    Anthony Gordon follows his lead and deflects a pass out for a goal kick before waving his arms for the crowd to make more noise. They do.

    Kick off! Newcastle 0-0 PSG

    20:01 , Mike Jones

    Here we go! Newcastle’s first home game of this Champions League campaign gets started with PSG kicking off the match.

    The ball is sent up towards Randal Kolo Muani but he can’t bring it under control and the hosts clear that danger from the edge of their own box.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:57 , Mike Jones

    Here come the players. Jamaal Lascelles leads out Newcastle with Marquinhos captaining PSG.

    The Toon Army is loud and excited about the prospect of this encounter, can Newcastle cause a shock and defeat the French champions?

    Kick off is up next.

    Pre-match thoughts from Eddie Howe

    19:55 , Mike Jones

    “[It’s] very special. You prepare for the game, you are in the training ground and it is all about the details of the game and then you come here and see what it means. This is going to be a big night for us.

    “It is always about the game, not the occasion. They have changed their team slightly so we are going to have to be aware of what they are going to do and then we have to hurt them. A good start in to the match wills settle us down.

    “We have some very good players and then underneath the ability we have team spirit and the backing of the owners and the supporters. You need that unity. We have it and we have to try and keep it.”

    Eddie Howe says Harvey Barnes has ‘big part to play’ this season despite injury

    19:50 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has told summer signing Harvey Barnes he will still have a key role this season despite seeing him ruled out until the new year.

    The 25-year-old is facing at least three months on the sidelines with the foot injury he suffered during Sunday’s 8-0 Premier League win at Sheffield United, an absence which will rule him out of the group stage of the club’s first Champions League campaign for 20 years.

    However, head coach Howe is confident his £38million summer signing from Leicester will still have a significant part to play as the Magpies attempt to cope with a congested fixture schedule.

    Eddie Howe says Harvey Barnes has ‘big part to play’ this season despite injury

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:45 , Mike Jones

    PSG’s last visit to England saw them lose 2-1 to Manchester City in the 2021/22 group stage after they had won 2-0 at home. That is the only one of the French club’s last four games against Premier League opponents they have not lost.

    The home win against City in 2021/22 is one of only four Paris victories in their last 14 matches against English sides, home and away (three draws, seven defeats).

    Shearer on Champions League nights

    19:40 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, has been bigging up tonight’s match saying that these are the games you want to play in as a footballer.

    “As a Newcastle fan, as an ex-player, an ex-manager and someone who loves the club as I do – these are the nights you want,” he told the BBC.

    “This is what the team, the management staff and the fans were praying for last season when it was getting a little bit nervy towards the end.

    “Tonight, to have PSG and [Kylian] Mbappe come to St James’ Park, the atmosphere will be absolutely electric. I, just like another 52,000, just can’t wait to get to the ground.

    “I’ve been lucky enough to play on these nights. It’s a special place on Champions League nights is St James’ Park.”

    Kieran Trippier reveals son would prefer to walk out with Kylian Mbappe for Newcastle vs PSG

    19:35 , Mike Jones

    Kieran Trippier has revealed his own son would rather walk out as Kylian Mbappe’s mascot than the Newcastle United defender when his side face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

    Trippier’s six-year-old son Jacob will reportedly be a Newcastle United mascot as Champions League football returns to Tyneside for the first time in 20 years.

    It will be a momentous occasion for the club who fell below their high standards during Mike Ashley’s ownership – a period which saw them spend two years in the Championship, in 2016-17 and 2009-10.

    Trippier reveals son would prefer to walk out with Mbappe as mascot

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:30 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle’s last European campaign came in 2012/13 when, under Alan Pardew, they reached the Europa League quarter-finals, losing to eventual runners-up Benfica.

    The Magpies are unbeaten at home in Europe since a 2-1 loss to Deportivo La Coruña in the 2006 Uefa Intertoto Cup second leg.

    Their record since is nine wins and five draws.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:25 , Mike Jones

    This is Newcastle’s third Champions League group stage campaign and a first since 2002/03, when they finished second in the initial group stage but were eliminated after coming third in their section behind Barcelona and Inter in the second group stage.

    The Magpies’ only other group campaign came in 1997/98 when, despite opening with a 3-2 home win against Barcelona they were knocked out having finished third in Group C behind Dynamo Kyiv and PSV Eindhoven.

    Eddie Howe on playing in the Champions League at St. James’ Park

    19:20 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, spoke in the build-up to tonight’s match and says he is looking forward to having the home fans inside the stadium for this clash against PSG.

    “It’s been a good few days for us,” he said, “We’re really looking forward to the game and can’t wait to experience the home atmosphere and what our fans create tomorrow.

    “I think it’s going to be a really memorable night and hopefully our performance can make it that way too.

    “I think it will be a really great moment for the club as a whole. To be back in the Champions League, at home, one of those magical nights in our stadium – I’m really looking forward to it.

    “At the moment, it’s about focusing on the match and what we need to do to try and win.”

    Champions League faces future rival as Saudi Arabia looks to transform Club World Cup

    19:15 , Mike Jones

    As Newcastle United prepare for their first Champions League home match in over 20 years, their owners have far bigger plans, that could well supersede Europe’s premier competition for decades.

    The Public Investment Fund and wider Saudi Pro League are targeting Fifa’s first expanded 32-team Club World Cup, to take place in the USA in 2025, to make a major statement of their football power. Such ambitions would also have the added effect of amplifying the prestige of the revised tournament, especially if the Saudi Pro League’s teams at that point feature an even greater proportion of the world’s best players, so as to make it a rival to the Champions League

    The next phase of a plan that is both a sporting project and a sportswashing project comes as Uefa have made it clear that Saudi Arabian clubs will not be allowed cross confederations to enter their competitions. Internal and informal discussions about the issue involved arguments over whether allowing such a transcontinental switch would facilitate some form of cost control given the disruptive nature of Saudi spending in the last window, but it was ultimately felt this would be an integration similar to LIV Golf. Uefa would also lose the unique leverage that comes with the Champions League.

    Champions League faces future rival as Saudi Arabia looks to transform Club World Cup

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:10 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle’s last games against French opponents came in the 2012/13 Europa League group stage, when they beat Bordeaux 3-0 at home on Matchday 2 only to lose 2-0 in France on Matchday 6.

    That victory on Tyneside was Newcastle’s first against Ligue 1 visitors since a 2-0 defeat of Metz in the 1996/97 Uefa Cup third round second leg; their record in between those two wins was two draws and one defeat.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:05 , Mike Jones

    This is a first-ever meeting between Newcastle and Paris in a Uefa competition, and it’s an important one.

    Having won their opener against Borussia Dortmund, the visitors have a chance to really take control of proceedings in Group F with three more points if they win this evening.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    19:00 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle have lost only two of their last 19 Uefa club competition group stage matches with 10 wins and seven draws during that streak.

    Will PSG inflict a third loss on the Magpies tonight?

    PSG line-up

    19:00 , Mike Jones

    Kylian Mbappe starts for PSG tonight. He’s on the left of a three man forward line including Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo-Muani.

    PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Dembele, Ugarte, Zaire-Emery; Kolo-Muani, Goncalo Ramos, Mbappe

    Newcastle vs PSG

    18:55 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle followed up their goalless draw at Milan by winning 8-0 at Sheffield United in the Premier League, showing their ability to balance to domestic and European commitments.

    “Three games, three clean sheets, really good week,” summarised defender Dan Burn. “We were built on being solid defensively last season so it’s great to get back to that.”

    Paris also followed up a good Champions League result – the 2-0 victory against Dortmund – with an excellent domestic showing as they beat Marseille 4-0, although Kylian Mbappé limped off injured.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    18:52 , Mike Jones

    Sky Sports are reporting that some PSG fans, calling themselves Ultras, threw missles and bottles at the police as they approached St. James’ Park.

    The incident reportedly passed without any serious injuries and things have settled down as the fans, from both clubs, head to the ground before kick off.

    PSG boss on facing Newcastle

    18:50 , Mike Jones

    “Newcastle are the team that nobody wanted from Pot 4,” Paris Saint-Germain boss, Luis Enrique, declared yesterday in reference to the draw for the Champions League group stage.

    “They work well when they have the ball and press well when they don’t. They’re a top side and they’ll get great support from their fans.”

    Newcastle line-up

    18:46 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

    Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash

    18:40 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is facing an injury crisis ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Paris St Germain.

    The 45-year-old oversaw a third successive Premier League win with a 2-0 defeat of Burnley at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, but did so having lost Harvey Barnes for at least three months while facing up to the prospect of being without key defender Sven Botman, inspirational midfielder Joelinton and England striker Callum Wilson for the clash with the French champions.

    Head coach Howe said: “You can add Joe Willock to that list, so it’s a difficult moment for us injury wise. It’s that kind of season for us, with the physical demands we’re going to face.”

    Eddie Howe worried over growing injury list as Newcastle prepare for PSG clash

    Newcastle vs PSG

    18:35 , Mike Jones

    No fewer than 12 players have plied their trade for both Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle:

    David Ginola, Didier Domi, Alain Goma, Sylvain Distin, Habib Beye, David Rozehnal, Fabrice Pancrate, Hélder, Laurent Robert, Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye and Georginio Wijnaldum.

    Ginola is no doubt the mostly fondly remembered on Tyneside, and will be at the stadium tonight as a pundit for French broadcaster Canal+.

    Longstaff on playing in the Champions League

    18:30 , Mike Jones

    Sean Longstaff says the anticipation of playing in the Champions League is exciting but rues how quickly the games seem to come and go.

    “Even looking at the fixtures it comes and goes quite fast. You’ve been waiting so long for it and then suddenly it goes over in a flash,” he said,

    “It sort of felt like that in Milan – the excitement was building the day before, when we were getting ready to get on the plane, and then all of a sudden we were back in Newcastle and that’s one matchday done.

    “It goes so fast so for us, it’s about taking everything in. We’re happy to be there, but also we know we’re more than good enough to play against these teams and cause them problems.”

    Sean Longstaff on reaction to Newcastle’s European tour

    18:25 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle United are playing in the Champions League for the first time in two decades and the fans are fully embracing the moment.

    They enjoyed themselves on the trip to Milan, for Newcastle’s opener, and are well prepared for tonight’s clash with PSG.

    Newcastle midfielder, Sean Longstaff, shed some light on his experience with the fans after explaining how his father enjoyed the trip to Italy.

    “You see the videos of them by the canal in Milan,” he said, “My old man was there and he said he absolutely loved it – he enjoyed it so it must have been a good trip!

    “It’s been amazing, and we’re happy to be here. But we’re also looking to progress.”

    The twin tensions which explain Newcastle and PSG’s very modern rivalry

    18:20 , Mike Jones

    In the months before the Newcastle takeover, as Qatar was facing increasing criticism ahead of the 2022 World Cup, there were discussions within the state over their football strategy going forward. That came amid reports they were willing to sell Paris Saint-Germain.

    All of that changed the second that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund completed the purchase of Newcastle. From then, Qatar were sticking with PSG, going all in and potentially even further. The attempt to buy Manchester United through Sheikh Jassim soon followed.

    Qatar just couldn’t be seen to exit a field as influential as football once their biggest regional rivals were entering. It was too important, especially in the aftermath of the Gulf blockade.

    The twin tensions which explain Newcastle and PSG’s very modern rivalry

    Newcastle vs PSG prediction

    18:15 , Mike Jones

    Here are the latest odds and match prediction for tonight’s Champions League clash:

    Newcastle win – 8/5

    Draw – 27/10

    PSG win – 29/20

    Newcastle will use home advantage to surprise PSG with their attacking flair. It should be an entertaining encounter with goals at both ends but PSG’s star power and European experience should secure them an away win.

    Newcastle 2-3 PSG.

    Predicted line-ups

    18:10 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

    PSG XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe.

    Early team news

    18:05 , Mike Jones

    Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock and Sven Botman are all expected to miss out for Newcastle due to injury, though Callum Wilson’s hamstring injury means the striker is a major doubt. Eddie Howe suggested Joelinton’s early subsitution against Burnley was not due to a serious issue and the Brazilian faces a late fitness test.

    PSG’s Kylian Mbappe appears to have overcome an ankle problem and is likely to start, but Nuno Mendes has joined a long-term injury list that also includes Presnel Kimpembe and Marco Asensio.

    How to watch Newcastle vs PSG

    18:00 , Mike Jones

    Newcastle vs PSG is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 4 October at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

    Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via discovery+.

    If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.

    Newcastle vs PSG

    16:08 , Mike Jones

    Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Tonight’s match up is an exciting one in Group F as Eddie’s Howe’s men have the chance to move to the top of the table.

    They secured a draw against AC Milan on their return to the European top-flight but must now take on the Ligue 1 champions who will be led by star striker Kylian Mbappe.

    PSG defeated Borussia Dortmund in their opening group game and will see tonight’s encounter at St. James’ Park as another opportunity to cement their grip on the ‘group of death’.

    Les Parisiens are one of the strongest challengers to Manchester City and Real Madrid who are the favourites to win the Champions League this season and a positive outing against Newcastle would show off their credentials.

    In contrast, Newcastle are finding their feet on the European stage and will want to surprise the French champions. They come into the match in good form and will certainly look to secure a first win of their campaign at home this evening.

    We’ll have all the build-up, team news and updates throughout the night so stick with us as Newcastle take on Paris Saint-Germain.

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