EURO DREAM TURNS TO DUST

Joelinton stunner in vain as Milan turn the tables

- Simon Bird

FOR 59 minutes this was one of the great European nights of Newcastle's history.

Joelinton's goal and a place in the last 16 was in their hands.

Then another 'if only' story, another near miss, to add to the growing list.

Newcastle is a club climbing the ladder of the elite rapidly and not looking out of place...but also not getting the job done.

See also the Carabao Cup final last season. Or the Paris Saint-Germain game two weeks ago.

The story of the Toon's Champions League return will be one of adventure and encouragement for the future, but also of regrets.

By Simon Bird Samuel Substitute Chukwueze's 84th-minute goal not only ended their chance of staying in the Champions League.

It dumped the Magpies out of Europe altogether.

Not even the consolation of third place in Group F, and the Europa League. Fourth place, just like Manchester United.

It was high-wire football drama in the final half-hour.