The UEFA Champions League group stage match between Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain was a historic encounter that defied expectations. Newcastle, a club on the rise, stunned the football world by defeating the star-studded PSG side 4-1 at St. James’ Park.
On October 4, 2023, Newcastle United hosted Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at St James’ Park in a UEFA Champions League Group F fixture. The match concluded with a resounding 4-1 victory for Newcastle, marking a significant moment in their European campaign. This article delves into the detailed statistics of the match, providing insights into team performances, individual contributions, and tactical nuances.
Match Overview
The encounter between Newcastle United and PSG was highly anticipated, given PSG’s stature in European football and Newcastle’s return to the Champions League after a prolonged absence. The match lived up to expectations, delivering an engaging spectacle for fans and analysts alike.
Team Lineups
Newcastle United Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defenders: Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and Kieran Trippier
Midfielders: Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali
Forwards: Miguel Almirón, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon
Paris Saint-Germain Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Milan Škriniar, Lucas Hernández
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani
Possession and Passing
PSG dominated possession with 73.1%, reflecting their typical style of controlling the game through ball retention. Newcastle, with 26.9% possession, adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions.In terms of passing, PSG completed 664 passes with an accuracy of 88%, while Newcastle completed 245 passes with a 68% accuracy. This disparity underscores PSG’s emphasis on build-up play and Newcastle’s reliance on direct, counter-attacking strategies.
Shooting and Goals
Despite PSG’s dominance in possession, Newcastle was more clinical in front of goal. The Magpies registered 12 shots, with 8 on target, resulting in 4 goals. PSG managed 11 shots, but only 2 were on target, yielding a single goal.
The goals for Newcastle were scored by:
Miguel Almirón (17th minute): Capitalized on a defensive error to open the scoring.
Dan Burn (39th minute): Headed in from a set-piece, doubling the lead.
Sean Longstaff (50th minute): Finished a swift counter-attack to make it 3-0.
Fabian Schär (90+1 minute): Scored a long-range effort to seal the victory.
PSG’s lone goal came from Lucas Hernández in the 56th minute, providing a brief glimmer of hope for the visitors.
Defensive Actions
Newcastle’s defensive resilience was evident throughout the match. The team executed 16 tackles with a success rate of 78.9%, compared to PSG’s 9 tackles at 64.3% success. In aerial duels, Newcastle dominated with an 85.7% success rate, highlighting their physical superiority in defensive situations.
Set-Pieces and Corners
PSG earned 8 corners during the match, indicating their territorial advantage. However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities. Newcastle had only 1 corner but made effective use of set-pieces, notably with Dan Burn’s goal originating from a well-delivered free-kick.
Fouls and Discipline
The match was relatively disciplined, with Newcastle committing 16 fouls and PSG 9. Both teams received multiple yellow cards, reflecting the competitive nature of the encounter.
Tactical Analysis
Newcastle’s approach was characterized by a compact defensive structure and rapid counter-attacks. The midfield trio of Longstaff, Guimarães, and Tonali provided balance, disrupting PSG’s rhythm and facilitating transitions. The wide players, Almirón and Gordon, exploited spaces behind PSG’s advanced full-backs, creating numerous opportunities.
PSG’s strategy centered on ball possession and patient build-up play. However, they struggled to penetrate Newcastle’s organized defense and were vulnerable to quick counters. The absence of clinical finishing further compounded their challenges.
Individual Performances
Miguel Almirón: His relentless pressing and opportunistic goal set the tone for Newcastle’s performance.
Dan Burn: Solid defensively and contributed offensively with a crucial goal.
Sean Longstaff: Energetic in midfield, capped his performance with a well-taken goal.
Fabian Schär: Commanding presence at the back, rounded off the victory with a spectacular goal.
For PSG, Kylian Mbappé was a constant threat but lacked support and service to make a significant impact.
Historical Context
This match marked Newcastle’s first home game in the Champions League in two decades, making the victory even more momentous. The 4-1 scoreline is one of the most significant results in the club’s European history, showcasing their potential to compete against Europe’s elite.
FAQs
When was the Newcastle United vs. PSG match?
The specific date and time of the match can be found on the official UEFA Champions League website or the respective club websites.
Where was the Newcastle United vs. PSG match played?
The match was played at St. James’ Park, Newcastle United’s home stadium.
What was the final score of the match?
Newcastle United defeated PSG 4-1.
Who were the top performers for Newcastle United?
Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, and Alexander Isak were key players in Newcastle’s victory.
How did Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi perform for PSG?
Both players had relatively quiet performances, with PSG struggling to create clear-cut chances.
What was the impact of Neymar’s absence on PSG’s performance?
Neymar’s absence was felt, as PSG lacked creativity and attacking flair in his absence.
What was Newcastle United’s tactical approach?
Newcastle employed a high-pressing, counter-attacking style, which caught PSG off guard.
How significant is this victory for Newcastle United?
This victory marked a significant milestone for Newcastle United, showcasing their progress under new ownership and management. It also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Premier League.
What impact will this result have on both teams’ Champions League campaigns?
Newcastle’s victory has boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages, while PSG will need to regroup and improve their performance in the remaining group stage matches.
Accordingly
Newcastle United’s emphatic victory over Paris Saint-Germain was a testament to tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and collective effort. The statistical analysis highlights how Newcastle maximized their opportunities despite limited possession, while PSG’s dominance in ball control failed to translate into goals. This match serves as a reminder that football is not solely about possession but also about effectiveness in both defense and attack.
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