PSG take experience and Champions League glamour to Newcastle United
Newcastle United entertain Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night in the first Champions League tie to grace St James' Park for nearly 20 years.
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Sir Bobby Robson ruled over the hosts when the competition's anthem last resounded around one of the most famous grounds in England on 19 March 2003.
Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta scored in the second-half for Barcelona to sink the hosts 2-0 in the then tournament's second group stage.
Fast forward two decades and a revamped format, PSG arrive as Group F pacesetters following a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund on 19 September.
On the same evening, Newcastle United drew 0-0 with AC Milan at the San Siro.
“They’re very good in possession, they’re very good off the ball as well," said PSG boss Luis Enrique ahead of the clash in front of an expected capacity crowd of 52,000 fans.
"They play with a very high press - they’re almost a complete football team."
United warmed up for the Champions League tie with a 2-0 win last Saturday over Burnley while PSG drew 0-0 at Clermont.
Potential
“All teams can go far in the Champions League," added Enrique. "There’s no reason why Newcastle can’t go far either. No one wanted to play them because we saw how good they were last season."
Eddie Howe's side finished the 2022/2023 Premier League campaign in fourth place - the final berth for the Champions League.
They ended the previous season in 11th and the 2021 campaign in 12th. PSG's results over the same period were two Ligue 1 crowns and a second place. They have played in the Champions League every season since 2012.
United's rocket up the Premier League pecking order table has followed the 300 million pound purchase of the club by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“Initially, nothing like this was in our thoughts," said Howe. "The speed at which it’s happened has been amazing. The only thing in our thoughts was staying in the Premier League initially."
Newcastle United's diehard fans - known as the Toon Army - will be hoping the club can emulate PSG's success.
Progress
In the 12 years since Qatari Sports Investments took over the French outfit, they have won 31 trophies including 10 top flight titles and six Coupe de France.
The team has also boasted the likes of Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi but its best performance in the Champions League was defeat in the 2020 final to Bayern Munich.
France skipper Kylian Mbappé leads the attack for the 2024 trophy. The 24-year-old's efforts will be bolstered by the France internationals Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani as well as the rising Portugal international Gonçalo Ramos.
“The swing of momentum has shifted so powerfully and quickly in a positive direction for us," Howe added. "My only thought is to keep that momentum for as long as we can.”
Howe's side will be without key players Sven Botman and Joelinton who are ruled out due to knee and thigh injuries respectively. Striker Callum Wilson remains a doubt.
“It’s going to be an extreme test but one that we can’t wait for,” said Howe.
"I know what the fans will bring," he added. They will bring their positivity, noise, enthusiasm and love for the game to the pitch for us.
"It's up to us to use that powerfully and positively for us in our performance."
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