Dortmund and PSG survive Champions League group of death

• PSG and Borussia Dortmund survived Champions League group of death to progress to the knockout stages
• It’s somewhat surprising that Borussia Dortmund finished atop of Champions League group of death despite opening with a loss to PSG and a goalless draw with Milan

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) survived Champions League group of death to progress to the knockout stage after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund, who had already qualified for the last 16 prior to last night’s fixture, will be joined in the pot for Monday’s draw by PSG.

Meanwhile, AC Milan received the consolation prize of Europa League football after the 2-1 comeback win against Newcastle United. The Serie A side failed to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League despite the win at St. James’ Park because of goal difference. Newcastle, on the other hand, bowed out of Europe and will be shifting their focus to Premier League title race and domestic cups.

Newcastle bowed out of Europe after suffering a 2-1 defeat against AC Milan. Photo/ RPP.

It’s somewhat surprising that Borussia Dortmund finished atop of Champions League group of death despite opening with a loss to PSG and a goalless draw with Milan.

PSG Draw At Borussia Dortmund

Paris Saint-Germain travelled to Germany not only to progress to the knockout stages but also to take lead of Group F. Even though Dortmund had already sealed a spot in the last 16 before this final group match, there was plenty at stake as they also looked to win the group.

Both teams started the game on a high note, with Marius Wolf and Kang-in Lee failing to convert clear chances at either end. PSG then came close to taking the lead through Kylian Mbappe, who rounded the goalkeeper, but Niklas Sule made a brilliant acrobatic tackle to deny the Frenchman.

Bradley Barcola’s curled effort hit the post shortly afterwards before Randal Kolo Muani took a shot that went wide. Dortmund also created chances in the exciting first half, with Marco Reus and Salih Ozcan firing venomous strikes that were well saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Borussia Dortmund and PSG advanced to the knockout stages of this season’s UEFA Champions League. Photo/ Eurosport.

There were no signs of things slowing down at Signal Iduna Park after the restart, and the finally arrived in the 51st minute. It was Karim Adeyemi who made the visitors pay after a sloppy play at the back. However, PSG found their way back into the match barely five minutes later, thanks to Warren Zaire-Emery’s strike.

Kylian Mbappe thought he had given PSG the lead in the 76th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside. With news filtering through about AC Milan’s comeback, PSG and Dortmund slowed down as a draw suited both of them.

Newcastle Bow Out Of Europe 

In another Champions League group of death fixture, Newcastle United’s campaign in Europe came to an end after AC Milan came from behind to win 2-1 at St James’ Park. The Premier League side knew they had a tough task heading into matchday six, with victory over Milan a must, while also needing PSG to lose or draw away to Borussia Dortmund.

While Dortmund managed to hold PSG to a 1-1 draw, Newcastle failed to beat AC Milan. Eddie Howe’s side took the lead in the 33rd minute through Joelinton and it seemed things were going their way when Dortmund scored first against PSG in the other Champions League group of death fixture.

However, things suddenly fell apart for the Magpies, with Christian Pulisic levelling for Milan and PSG pulling a goal back at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Fatigue appeared to hamper Newcastle in the closing stages of their match and they found themselves trailing 2-1 in the 84th minute when Samuel Chukwueze curled in what turned out to be the winner for the visitors.

Newcastle, who had qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2002-03, finished bottom of Group F with five points.