Milan and Newcastle debuted in the Champions League with a goalless draw. Those led by Eddie Howe took a point from San Siro. In contrast to the previous games, the American Christian Pulisic sat on the bench. These are the keys to the game.
1. Great performance from Nick Pope
Nick Pope was the big figure for Newcastle, especially in the first half of the game against Milan. The British goalkeeper received shots from Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud, as well as a header from Theo Hernández that could have given the Rossoneros victory.
2. Milan’s wet powder in the first half
Pope was crucial for Newcastle in their first Champions League game. The reality is that the team led by Stefani Pioli also owed too much as they could not get good finishes at the opponent’s goal. Leao had the clearest shot, but he stumbled as he tried to finish.
3. Cautious approach from Newcastle
The reality is that from the start of the game it was a team that wanted to win. The Premier League team played very defensively and cautiously and was ready to get the draw, which they did.
4. Tonali did not stress his return to San Siro
One of the main attractions of the game was the return of Sandro Tonali to San Siro, albeit now in a Newcastle jersey. The reality is that the Italian played no role in the duel and was even substituted on.
5. The changes didn’t help Pioli
Pulisic didn’t start the game. Pioli gave Chukwueze a chance. The American joined his compatriot Yunus Musah in the complementary role; apart from the Dutchman Koopmeiners, none of them could change the face of Milan.
In this way, both teams finished with one point and awaited the conclusion of Group F. Milan will face Borussia Dortmund from Germany on October 4th, while Newcastle will make their debut at home against PSG on the same day
