Kylian Mbappe's stoppage-time penalty cancels out Alexander Isak's opener in cruel twist
29-11-2023 12:43 PM
Ammon News - Newcastle had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain following a cruel stoppage-time penalty decision as Kylian Mbappe converted from the spot.
Alexander Isak had put Eddie Howe's side ahead midway through the first half and Newcastle bravely withstood heavy PSG pressure thereafter. But there was nothing Nick Pope could do to stop Mbappe's penalty after a harsh handball call against Tino Livramento.
Victory in Paris would have put Newcastle's qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League in their own hands in the final game at home to AC Milan. Now, after this bitter late blow, they must hope PSG slip up away to Borussia Dortmund.
Mbappe looked electric in the early stages of the game, forcing a smart stop from Nick Pope with his flicked shot when he found space in behind. The Magpies looked in for an awkward night but they soon got to grips with the challenge and put pressure on PSG.
Isak might have scored before he did when set up by the impressive Miguel Almiron but shot over the bar. He did not have to wait long. A mazy run by Livramento found Almiron and the Paraguayan's shot was parried into Isak's path who hammered in the rebound.
It was the intensity of Newcastle's play that troubled PSG in the first half, Almiron and Anthony Gordon working tirelessly to protect the full-backs. There was no time for PSG to stroke the ball around. But the threat of their star players was ever present.
Mbappe set up Ousmane Dembele late in the first half but his shot struck Fabian Schar when either side of the Newcastle defender would have brought the equaliser. It was a sign of what was to come because PSG pushed hard for that goal in the second half.
They were certain they had it when Mbappe danced clear of the defence and laid the most straightforward of chances on for the substitute Bradley Barcola but Pope somehow contrived to keep the ball out of the Newcastle net. It was an astonishing save.
Luis Enrique's side became increasingly desperate, appealing for a penalty when Achraf Hakimi went down under a challenge from Anthony Gordon and also when the ball struck the arm of Lewis Miley. The 17-year-old midfielder was outstanding.
Newcastle defended courageously and the misses kept coming. Dembele had a glorious opportunity from close range when he stole in ahead of Schar at the near post but he got too much on it and could only shoot wide. Pope then saved again from Mbappe.
But time was almost up when the ball ricocheted off Livramento's chest and into his arm. The referee was asked to go to the monitor and decided to award the spot-kick. Mbappe did the rest with a confident finish but Newcastle were entitled to feel hard done by.
They were almost there and would have fancied themselves to complete the job at home to AC Milan. Now they need to win that game and hope that Dortmund can do them a favour. But that is for another night. For now, the emotions will be pride and frustration.
Sky Sports