PSG Salvages a Point with Thrilling Penalty Against Newcastle

In the dying moments of the match, a penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe in the 98th minute secured a 1-1 draw for Paris Saint-Germain against Newcastle United in the Champions League on Tuesday. This crucial result maintains PSG’s position to qualify for the last 16 while putting Newcastle at risk of an early group-stage exit.

Despite Newcastle’s earlier 4-1 victory at St James’ Park last month, they seemed poised for another triumph in the Group F encounter, taking the lead with Alexander Isak’s 25th-minute goal. PSG struggled to find solutions until injury time, when a VAR decision deemed Tino Livramento’s handball in the box worthy of a penalty.

Mbappe capitalized on the opportunity, ensuring PSG holds onto the second spot in the group, with Borussia Dortmund leading after their 3-1 victory against AC Milan. PSG can secure their spot in the last 16 with a win in their final group game against Dortmund, while Newcastle must win against Milan and hope for a PSG slip-up to advance.

Eddie Howe’s team, facing elimination with a defeat, remains in contention, while PSG avoids the threat of early Champions League elimination in the Qatar era. Despite struggles in the Champions League this season, Mbappe’s late goal, his 17th of the season, rescued PSG from potential elimination.

Wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Marquinhos, Mbappe faced challenges making an impact against a well-organized Newcastle defense. The visitors successfully thwarted PSG’s attacking threats, with goalkeeper Nick Pope making key saves, and Newcastle’s solid defense holding off PSG’s attempts.

Throughout the game, PSG faced challenges, including shaky performances from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite Newcastle’s effective defensive tactics, PSG squandered chances, with Pope making crucial stops. The match saw VAR checks on potential penalties for PSG, with claims dismissed.

The turning point came when a VAR review identified a possible handball by Livramento, leading to a controversial penalty decision. Mbappe seized the opportunity, converting the penalty to salvage a draw for PSG in a hard-fought and dramatic contest.