Willock Header Earns Newcastle a Point in Paris as Both Sides Head for Play-offs

Joe Willock’s header on the stroke of half-time rescued a vital point for Newcastle in Paris, as both PSG and the Magpies missed out on automatic Champions League qualification and now head into the play-offs.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Anthony Gordon noted that Champions League football is less physical and offers more attacking freedom a sentiment reflected in an open, high-tempo contest at the Parc des Princes.

The Newcastle supporters who made the trip to France will be proud of this performance. After back-to-back Premier League matches without a goal and defeat to Aston Villa, Eddie Howe’s side showed courage and composure on Europe’s biggest stage, and were arguably unfortunate not to leave Paris with all three points.

Howe made five changes from the weekend loss, with Dan Burn returning for his first start in over a month.

The selection prompted a tactical shift to a back three, while Joe Willock also returned to midfield as Newcastle lined up against the reigning European champions.

From kick-off, PSG were immediately on the front foot, pressing aggressively and forcing Newcastle into early defensive work. Just 45 seconds in, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Lewis Miley, closing down Bradley Barcola, saw the ball ricochet off Barcola and strike his hand. Following a VAR review, the spot-kick was given, but Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé was denied by a heroic save from Nick Pope.

Seven minutes later, PSG made their pressure count. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia got the better of Dan Burn down the left before laying the ball off to Vitinha, who brushed past Lewis Hall and calmly finished into the corner to give the hosts the lead.

Newcastle were fortunate to remain within touching distance as Dembélé repeatedly caused problems, weaving past the back line and threatening to double PSG’s advantage.

Once the early storm had passed, the Magpies began to grow into the contest. Nick Woltemade went close with a header five minutes before the break, and Newcastle’s persistence was rewarded just before half-time. Sandro Tonali delivered a dangerous ball into the box, Marquinhos misjudged his positioning, and Dan Burn flicked the ball on for Joe Willock, who guided a composed header past the goalkeeper to level the score.

Newcastle carried that momentum into the second half. A swift counter-attack saw Jacob Ramsey test PSG goalkeeper Aleksandr Safonov, as the visitors continued to pose a threat in transition.

Willock thought he had completed his brace when he found the net again, but the goal was ruled out for offside despite the ball hitting the back of the net, much to Newcastle’s frustration.

Sensing an opportunity to push for a winner, Eddie Howe introduced Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, both of whom made an immediate impact. Gordon tested Safonov with a powerful long-range effort, while five minutes before stoppage time he surged down the left again and teed up Barnes, whose strike was well saved by the PSG goalkeeper.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a point in a thrilling, end-to-end encounter. The draw means neither PSG nor Newcastle secured automatic qualification, and both will now face two-legged play-offs in their pursuit of a place in the Champions League last 16.