AC Milan held to goalless draw by Newcastle United in UCL opener

The Magpies returned to the UCL after a pretty long absence

AC Milan played host to Newcastle United in the opening game of Group F in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24. The Magpies returned to the grandest stage after 20 years.

The match ended in a goalless draw and both teams made a positive start in the group of death.

Both Milan and Newcastle finished fourth in their respective leagues in 2022-23. The Rossoneri were the defending champions of Serie A and played in the competition. On the other hand, the Magpies last played in Europe in the 2012-13 season and that too in the UEFA Europa League.

Stefano Pioli and Eddie Howe lined their team in a 4-3-3 formation. Sandro Tonali returned to Milan after his big-money move in the summer. He received a warm reception from the home crowd.

AC Milan came into this match after a humiliating loss in the Milan Derby. A 5-1 loss to Inter Milan ended their 100% run in the league. Eddie Howe's men, on the other hand, earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford.

Both teams made a decent start in the first half. The home side took control of the game and created a lot of threats.

Nick Pope was standing up to the challenge and Newcastle's shot-stopper made six crucial saves in the first 45 to keep the score at 0-0.

Rafael Leao led the attack from the left side and was supported by Theo Hernandez.

The second half saw both teams struggling to create the momentum. Newcastle were happy with a draw away from home and were more conservative in their approach. Milan also failed to create chances like they did in the first half.

Both teams settled for a draw in their opening game of the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 campaign. Milan travel to Dortmund next and the Magpies will host PSG.