Newcastle United faces a pivotal match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, marking a crucial moment for Eddie Howe’s team. Despite the romanticized image of Paris as the city of love, tensions flared between the supporters of both teams in the French capital. The aftermath of PSG’s 4-1 loss at St James’ Park saw alleged PSG Ultras attacking a Parisian bar where Newcastle fans had gathered, adding an intimidating layer to the atmosphere.
Champions League away days, while filled with joy, also carry an undercurrent of tension. The PSG supporters seemed eager for revenge off the pitch after their team’s humiliation in the previous encounter. Clad in black clothing and balaclavas, large groups were seen roaming the Paris streets on Monday night. While the incidents were played down by witnesses, it highlighted the unsavory side of the beautiful game, occurring even before the kickoff.
Newcastle fans not only faced a chilly reception from the locals but also battled the cold Parisian weather, contradicting PSG star Kylian Mbappe’s previous dismissal of Newcastle as “not warm.” The near-freezing conditions set a cold and miserable tone, devoid of the warmth that football brings. Yet, the hope remained that the 90 minutes on Tuesday night could change the narrative for Newcastle in what might be their final Champions League away day of the season.
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As Eddie Howe’s squad prepared for the match at PSG’s Parc des Princes, they opted for a change in approach by training inside the stadium. Despite a lack of goals in their Champions League travels this season, the decision aimed to provide the squad with more recovery time and family interaction. Howe emphasized the significance of the upcoming game, labeling it a “defining moment” in their Champions League campaign.
Addressing the media, Howe acknowledged the uniqueness of the match, emphasizing the need for the team to play on the edge to perform at their best. He hinted at potential tactical tweaks while maintaining the core fundamentals. With memories of their remarkable 4-1 victory over PSG in the reverse fixture, the Magpies realistically understand the need to replicate that success to stay in the competition. A draw could suffice to keep their last-16 hopes alive unless AC Milan secures a victory against Borussia Dortmund on the same evening. Losing is not an option if Newcastle aims to continue their Champions League journey into 2024.
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