PSG and Newcastle drop into Champions League play-offs after stalemate
The reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United will both enter the Champions League play-off stage following a 1-1 draw in their concluding league phase fixture on Wednesday.
Ousmane Dembele saw his fourth-minute spot-kick stopped at the Parc des Princes, yet Vitinha soon gave PSG the lead, before Joe Willock levelled for Newcastle during added time in the opening period.
This outcome leaves Newcastle with just one victory in their previous four European fixtures, whereas PSG have failed to win any of their most recent three outings and only one of the last five, a stark contrast to the performance that crowned them European title holders last term.
Luis Enriques team navigated the knockout play-offs last year, and now both clubs must repeat that feat since they conclude beyond the top eight positions that grant straight progression to the round of 16.
PSG wrap up in 11th place with 14 points, as Newcastle sit 12th on identical points and goal difference but with fewer goals netted.
The play-off draw occurs on Friday, where PSG and Newcastle learn if they face Monaco or Qarabag.
Newcastles manager Eddie Howe might have considered the forthcoming Premier League encounter against Liverpool, benching Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and leading marksman Harvey Barnes at the outset in Paris.
For PSG, Luis Enrique brought back Russian custodian Matfei Safonov for this, the French outfits 12th clash against Premier League foes since the start of the prior campaign, including a Champions League group stage pair against Newcastle in late 2023.
Dembele penalty saved
Newcastle secured a 4-1 triumph at St James Park before a 1-1 stalemate in Paris, thwarted from another win only by Kylian Mbappes late penalty conversion.
On this occasion, PSGs penalty came almost immediately, with Newcastles Lewis Miley ruled for handball barely a minute in.
The young player had little control as the ball bounced onto his arm, but Slovenian official Slavko Vincic awarded it following VAR review.
Yet Newcastle escaped punishment this time, with Nick Pope denying Demebeles effort.
Still, the hosts went ahead in the seventh minute when Vitinha latched onto a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivery near the box and rifled a low drive into the net.
This marked the Portuguese midfielders fifth Champions League strike this term, following his treble versus Tottenham Hotspur in November.
Moroccos Achraf Hakimi returned for PSG for the first time since early November, recovering from injury and national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While his comeback provides a major lift, the Parisians suffered a setback around the first halfs midpoint when Georgian forward Kvaratskhelia limped off, seemingly after turning his right ankle in a tussle with Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle posed little danger up to that point but equalised in the first periods extra moments via a typical Premier League set-piece this season.
A free-kick floated in evaded PSGs captain Marquinhos, enabling Dan Burn to flick it on for Willock to nod home his debut goal of the campaign.
Victory would have locked in top-eight spots for either side, while a tie risked relegation to the play-offs.
Both adopted a measured strategy post-interval, though Newcastle grew threatening on counters following the entries of Gordon and Barnes from the reserves.
The latter squandered a prime opportunity in the 88th minute, mishitting wide from near point-blank after a bobbling Gordon delivery reached him, setting Newcastle for a packed February schedule.