AC Milan substitute Samuel Chukwueze struck a superb late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United as both teams exited the Champions League in a nerve-jangling climax to Group F at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Milan had won only one of their previous 21 matches away to English opposition in Europe, in 2005, but Chukwueze made it a memorable night for them when he curled a sublime finish past Martin Dubravka in the 84th minute.
Milan enter the Europa League while Newcastle, who finished bottom with five points, are out of Europe. Dortmund topped the group with 11 points.
“We were dominant at times but probably needed the second goal. We didn’t defend the two goals well enough,” Howe told TNT Sports. “Both teams were desperate to win in the end. We had to be brave and they had to be brave.
“It made for a very good game but we’re absolutely devastated not to go through.”
“We needed to do our job and win. Then we waited for news from the other game,” Leao said. “Now we are in the Europa League — Milan have never won that and we want to.”