PSG, FC Porto qualify for the Champions League Round of 16

PSG and FC Porto were the final two teams to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16. Both teams finished second in their respective groups.

However, Newcastle United finished last in Group F after they lost 2-1 to Milan on the final matchday. PSG drew 1-1 against group leaders Borussia Dortmund, whereas Porto played a thriller against Shakhtar Donetsk.

PSG were on the verge of getting knocked out of the group stages for the first time since the Qatari takeover in 2011. Karim Adeyemi scored the opening goal of the game in the second half.

Warren Zaire-Emery then scored the equaliser for PSG just five minutes later. The game then ended in a 1-1 draw, and the French champions finished second in Group F.

“We’re far from the finished article,” said PSG captain Marquinhos. “We’re going to have to prepare well and prepare better because bigger opponents are on the way.”

Newcastle United bow out of the Champions League

The Magpies needed a win and took the lead through a brilliant Joelinton strike in the first half. But, Christian Pulisic scored the equaliser in the 59th minute, and Samuel Chukwueze scored the winner for Milan in the 84th minute.

Milan will now play in the the Europa League, while Newcastle United, who returned to the competition after 20 years are out of Europe.

“We gave everything to the match. I can’t ask for anything more (in terms of) commitment, effort, physical exertion. Unfortunately for us, it wasn’t to be,” said Howe.

Both Newcastle United and Manchester United finished last in their respective groups. Furthermore, Arsenal and Manchester City are the only two teams from England left in the Champions League.

FC Porto beat Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3 to qualify for the next round

Porto needed a win or a draw against Shakhtar at home, and a defeat would’ve sent them to the Europa League. Galeno scored an early goal for Porto but Danylo Sikan cancelled out his strike.

Galeno scored another goal before Mehdi Taremi made it 3-1 for the Portuguese side. Porto scored an own goal and gave Shakhtar a lifeline, but Pepe and Francisco Conceicao put the game to bed, with Eguinaldo bagging a late consolation.