JOELY NIGHT IS RUINED

Toon flirt last 16 before crashing out

FOR 59 minutes one of the great European nights of Newcastle's history.

Joelinton's goal and a place in the last 16 was in their hands.

Then another 'if only' story, another near miss, to add to the growing list.

Newcastle is a club climbing the ladder of the elite rapidly and not looking out of place but also not getting the job done.

See also the Carabao Cup final last season.

Or the Paris St-Germain game two weeks ago.

The story of Newcastle's return to the Champions League will be one of adventure and encouragement for the future, but regrets.

Substitute Samuel Chukwueze's 84-minute goal not only ended their chance of staying in the Champions League, it dumped the Toon out of Europe.

Not even the consolation of third place in Group F and the Europa League. Fourth place, just like Manchester United. It was high-wire football drama in the last half hour.

Newcastle's lead was squandered when Christian Pulisic scored. The game in Germany between Dortmund and PSG was swinging all ways.

Both teams hit the woodwork on Tyneside. Jeopardy being played out at the top level and two sides grasping for a lifeline.