Champions League: Chukwueze’s last-ditch effort keeps AC Milan in Europe

Italian Serie A giants AC Milan needed a win to stay in Europe, and Nigerian International Samuel Chukwueze delivered it

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze got off the bench to score the winner for AC Milan in their 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’s Park, Soccernet.ng reports.

AC Milan traveled to Saint James’s Park for their final group stage game of this season’s Champions League. The Rossoneri needed a win to qualify for round 16, but they had to hope that the result in the other Group F game between Borussia Dortmund and PSG would go their way.

Following the return of Portugal star Rafael Leao, Chukwueze had to start from the bench as Christian Pulisic started on the right side of AC Milan’s attack.

The opening minutes of the encounter were drab, as both sides tried to fashion out decent chances. However, Joelinton’s 33rd-minute strike put the whole home side in front in the first half.

The Magpies took their lead into the break. But in the second half, Christian Pulisic pulled one back to make it 1-1 and set up the game for a frenetic finish.

Milan were desperately in search of goals, and coach Pioli then introduced Chukwueze into the game late on as AC Milan were pushing for a victory as that was the only result that could keep them in Europe this season eventually.

Pioli’s decision to introduce Chukwueze yielded fruit as the Nigerian forward turned up the clutch for the former European champions, scoring the 84th-minute winner.

The former Villarreal man received a nice pass from Noah Okafor and curled that ball past Martin Dubravka to seal the win for the Rossoneri.

Chukwueze sealed the victory for the Partenopeans, as they ran out a 2-1 winner. Unfortunately, their victory could only give them a spot in the Europa League, as they finished third behind PSG, who got a draw at Borussia Dortmund.