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Newcastle Show They Belong Among Europe’s Elite After Gritty Paris Test

Newcastle United left the Parc des Princes with far more than a point on Wednesday night. They departed with renewed belief that they can compete with the very best on the European stage, following a resilient 1–1 draw against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

The stadium has not always been kind to Newcastle. Two years ago, a controversial stoppage-time penalty denied them a famous victory in Paris, leaving scars that lingered long after the final whistle. This time, however, the mood was entirely different. Instead of frustration, there was pride, defiance and a sense of progress.

Unlike that painful night in 2023, it was Newcastle who showed character by responding to adversity. After surviving an early VAR decision that awarded PSG a penalty—brilliantly saved by Nick Pope—Paris Saint-Germain eventually took the lead through Vitinha. Yet Eddie Howe’s side refused to fold. They stayed composed, disciplined and purposeful, earning a deserved equaliser just before half-time through Joe Willock.

The draw was not enough to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but Newcastle now look well positioned ahead of a play-off tie against Monaco or Qarabag. More importantly, the performance itself felt like a statement.

“We wanted to win,” said head coach Eddie Howe. “Of course we wanted to avoid extra games, but if there was ever a performance to give us confidence, it’s this one—away against the holders.”

Howe’s decision to rotate his squad with one eye on domestic commitments proved inspired. Dan Burn, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Willock and Nick Woltemade were all recalled, and several delivered standout displays. Burn, captaining the side on his return from a fractured rib and punctured lung, was immense at the back and later named man of the match.

Joe Willock’s contribution carried added emotional weight. After suffering racist abuse on social media earlier this month, the midfielder responded in the best possible way—scoring his first-ever Champions League goal and silencing the Paris crowd with a composed header and a defiant celebration.

Newcastle’s European record this season underlines their growing maturity. They finished level on points with PSG, suffered just two defeats—against Barcelona and Marseille—and claimed notable victories over PSV Eindhoven, Benfica, Athletic Club and Union Saint-Gilloise.

“This is a really good step in the right direction,” Pope told TNT Sports. “We didn’t get this far two years ago. We’re learning, improving, and we’re excited to see how far we can go.”

Newcastle’s journey in Europe continues—and it does so with genuine momentum.

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