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Late chance denied leaves Eddie Howe’s side short of automatic qualification despite strong display against PSG

Newcastle United will have to navigate the Champions League play-offs after failing to secure the victory required for automatic qualification to the round of 16, following a hard-fought draw away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.

The decisive moment came late on, when Harvey Barnes missed a clear opportunity from close range that would have sealed Newcastle’s place in the top eight of the league phase. The result means Newcastle United will contest a two-legged play-off next month against either Qarabag or Monaco.

Despite the disappointment, Newcastle produced one of their most accomplished European performances under Eddie Howe, matching the reigning champions for long spells at the Parc des Princes. Howe set his team up in a flexible 5-4-1 system, departing from their usual shape to exploit space on the counterattack.

After withstanding early pressure, Newcastle grew into the contest and were the stronger side for much of the second half, creating several chances to turn the game in their favour.

PSG had the first major opportunity inside the opening minutes when a handball by Lewis Miley led to a penalty. Nick Pope redeemed his side with a save from Ousmane Dembélé, but the hosts later took the lead through Vitinha, capitalising on a turnover in midfield to finish beyond Nick Pope.

Newcastle responded just before half-time. Sandro Tonali’s long ball was flicked on by Dan Burn, allowing Joe Willock to head the visitors level with a well-timed run into the box.

The second half saw Newcastle increasingly threaten on the break. Barnes and Anthony Gordon were introduced as Howe pushed for the win, and both found opportunities. Barnes was twice denied by goalkeeper Matvey Safonov before slicing wide from close range in the closing minutes, a miss that ultimately proved costly.

Although the draw was enough to confirm Newcastle’s first-ever progression to the Champions League knockout rounds, it was not sufficient to avoid the play-offs, leaving the Premier League side facing additional fixtures in an already congested schedule.

Speaking after the match, Howe said his players had shown they belong at the highest level, highlighting their resilience, tactical adaptability and physical endurance against elite opposition.

Newcastle will now turn their attention to the play-off round, where they will attempt to build on a performance that, despite the frustration of a late miss, underlined their growing competitiveness on the European stage.