Draw in the match, PSG-Newcastle celebrate in the playoffs

In a high-voltage encounter at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Newcastle United played out a tense draw that left both clubs consigned to the Champions League play-off stage. With qualification scenarios clear before kick-off, the winner of the match would have secured direct passage to the Round of 16, while defeat would have forced a play-off. A draw, however, left the two sides dependent on other results — and as fate would have it, neither team advanced automatically.

The match began dramatically. Within the first minute, Newcastle midfielder Lewis Miley handled the ball in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty to PSG. Yet, the Parisians’ star forward Ousmane Dembélé, winner of both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s Best Player award, saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by English goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Despite the early setback, Newcastle struck first. In the 8th minute, Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalised on a loose ball outside the box to curl a low shot past PSG’s goalkeeper Vitinha, marking the Portuguese midfielder’s fifth goal of the Champions League campaign.

PSG could have responded swiftly, but once again, Dembélé found himself thwarted by a resilient Newcastle defence. The Parisian side suffered a further blow in the 22nd minute when Kvaratskhelia exited the field due to injury, disrupting Newcastle’s rhythm and forcing PSG to adjust tactically.

As the first half neared its conclusion, Newcastle scored again from their very first meaningful opportunity inside the box, exploiting a defensive lapse by PSG.

In the second half, PSG dominated possession and created multiple opportunities. In the 67th minute, Dembélé missed a clear chance to equalise, shooting wide from a promising position. Both sides continued to press for a winner, but neither could break the deadlock.

Ultimately, the 1-1 draw meant that both teams must now navigate the play-off round to secure their places in the knockout stages.

PSG now sit 11th on the table with 14 points, while Newcastle are immediately behind in 12th, level on points. Both clubs will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the decisive play-off fixtures that will determine their Champions League futures.