AC Milan and Newcastle were eliminated from the Champions League after the Italian team’s 2-1 win at St. James’ Park that ensured Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé qualified for the round of 16 instead.
Milan at least claimed the consolation prize of dropping into the Europa League playoff round after Samuel Chukwueze’s 84th-minute winner lifted last season’s Champions League semifinalist above Newcastle into third place in Group F.
Milan joined PSG on eight points after the six group games, but finished behind the French team courtesy of an inferior head-to-head record.
“It’s a massive accomplishment,” said Christian Pulisic, who equalized for Milan in the 59th minute to become the first U.S. International to score for three different teams in the Champions League, after Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
“We have a chance to win a great competition. Of course we wanted to continue in the Champions League but we look forward to competing in the Europa League.”