Champions League Drama: Newcastle and Shakhtar's Fateful Finales
The finale of the Champions League preliminary round was filled with highs and lows for various clubs. Newcastle United found themselves on the losing end, while Porto ensured Shakhtar's passage to the Europa League.
In a dramatic turn of events, AC Milan snatched a vital 2:1 victory against Newcastle United to secure their place in the Champions League group stage. The English club, backed by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, had only themselves to blame for a dismal end to their journey. Milan took the lead through Joelinton in the 33rd minute, but Christian Pulisic and Samu Chukwueze responded for the Italians, ultimately resulting in a 2:1 victory. Milan's failure to beat Paris Saint-Germain in their head-to-head tie meant they missed out on the coveted second spot, leaving Newcastle in a state of despair, no longer qualifying for international competition.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Champions League champions, Shakhtar Donetsk, faced a similar fate against FC Porto. Their 3:5 defeat served them a ticket for the Europa League. Danylo Sikan, an own goal from Eustaquio, and Eguinaldo couldn't secure a win for Shakhtar, who had been reliant on playing their European home games at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion due to ongoing conflict in their home country. Porto clinched the remaining Champions League last 16 spot with goals from Galeno, Mehdi Taremi, Pepe, and Francisco Conceicao.
An unexpected turn of events saw FC Barcelona fall to a 2:3 defeat against FC Antwerp, with Iliay Gündoğan and his teammates in the starting line-up. Despite Gündoğan setting up an equalizer in stoppage time, Antwerp secured a decisive victory, leaving Barcelona at the top of the group. Shakhtar Donetsk's loss at FC Porto ultimately propelled Barcelona into first position.
The Atletico Madrid vs. Lazio Roma match saw the Spaniards emerge victorious with a 2:0 win, securing Antoine Griezman and Samuel Lino's goals. Feyenoord Rotterdam suffered a 2-1 defeat against Celtic Glasgow but still secured third place. Luis Palma put Celtic ahead from the penalty spot, while Yankuba Minteh equalized before Gustaf Lagerbielke struck the decisive blow in stoppage time.
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The Champions League preliminary round was a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns for many clubs. Despite Atlético Madrid securing victory over Lazio Rome, FC Barcelona's stunning loss to AC Milan's rival FC Antwerp prevented them from clinching the top spot. Barcelona relied on Shakhtar Donetsk's defeat at the hands of FC Porto to reclaim the first position in the group stage.
Paris Saint-Germain narrowly avoided missing out on the Champions League's last 16, with their goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund contingent upon Milan's hard-fought victory over Newcastle United. Lazio Rome and Newcastle United concluded their European journeys in the group stage, both struggling to keep up with Atlético Madrid and Barcelona's group stage opponents.
As a result of their Champions League exit, Paris Saint-Germain and Lazio Rome will challenge new opponents in European soccer, including AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, along with Shakhtar Donetsk, who advanced to the Europa League. Meanwhile, Newcastle United's chances of Champions League qualification in the Premier League remain hopeful, as they currently sit in fifth place.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025). Newcastle United handed boost as Premier League number of Champions League spots increases. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 March 2025]. [2] UEFA. (2025). Shakhtar Donetsk loose their grip on Champions League last 16. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 March 2025]. [4] The Sun. (2025). Newcastle United break transfer record to seal deal for star striker. [online] Available at: [Accessed 15 March 2025].
