Newcastle United player ratings v Paris Saint-Germain: Magpies beat the French champions 4-1 in amazing night at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United made it another memorable night in the Champions League with a 4-1 win over French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Tino Asprilla’s hat-trick against Barcelona in 1997? Andy Griffin against Juventus in 2002? Well, add Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar’s goals against PSG in 2024.
Tonight was the night the Magpies once again arrived on the Champions League stage.
Eddie Howe named one change to his starting XI that beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday with Sandro Tonali coming into the midfield in place of Elliot Anderson.
St James’ Park was a cauldron of noise in the build up to kick-off and it wasn’t long before it went into ecstasy when Miguel Almiron handed United the lead on 17 minutes.
Marquinhos’ pass was cut out by Bruno Guimaraes before the ball fell to Alexander Isak. His shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma but Almiron was on hand to curl home the follow-up.
Dan Burn, once a season ticket holder at St James’ Park, made it 2-0 in the 39th minute when he powered home Bruno Guimaraes’ cross. The Brazilian was initially flagged offside but following a lengthy VAR check, the goal was awarded.
Half-time arrived and things got even better for United. Another Geordie, Sean Longstaff, made it 3-0 when his shot squeezed under Donnaruma from a tight angle.
But PSG quickly responded as Lucas Hernandez beat the offside trap to head home Warren Zaire-Emery’s ball over the top.
St James’ Park became a little nervy as PSG pushed but Fabian Schar’s stunner during injury time capped off a spectacular night on Tyneside.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope – 7
Didn’t have a save to make until the 77th minute. Could do nothing about Lucas Hernandez’s goal. Sloppy distribution in the closing stages.
2. Kieran Trippier – 8
Was given arguably the most difficult task in world football up against Kylian Mbappe but the Trippier kept the Frenchman quiet. Clever assist for Longstaff’s goal.
3. Jamaal Lascelles – 8.5
There’s something very wholesome about Lascelles captaining Newcastle in the Champions League. Put sentiments asides, and the defender was still brilliant.
4. Fabian Schar – 9
Read the game superbly well and never backed out of a challenge. A trademark long range goal to cap off the night.
5. Dan Burn – 8
Stood up the challenge of Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele fantastically. Made it a dream night with a powerful header to make it 2-0.
6. Bruno Guimaraes – 9.5
He’s here, he’s there, he’s every…where. What a performance from the Brazilian, like a man possessed. Covered every blade of grass. So calm and experienced on the ball. Sensational.
7. Sean Longstaff – 8
From one Geordie to another, a goal to remember. Swept up a lot in the midfield. A relentless presence.
8. Sandro Tonali – 7
A solid first half performance from Tonali as he supported Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon down the left. Faded after the break and was withdrawn in the 64th minute.
9. Miguel Almiron – 8
His goal got Newcastle up and running. Was a threat down the right all evening.
10. Anthony Gordon – 8
Brought plenty of energy down the left and charged down every PSG man in sight.
11. Alexander Isak – 8
Caused PSG problems with his movement. Ran himself into the ground.