Newcastle Player Ratings vs PSG: Barnes Miss Sours Champions League Draw

Newcastle player ratings vs PSG tell the story of a tense Champions League clash in Paris, where Eddie Howe’s Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by an ambitious Paris Saint-Germain. The night was marked by resilience, a handful of standout performances, and a late blunder that cost Newcastle a famous away victory.

Newcastle Player Ratings vs PSG: Dramatic Champions League Night

Newcastle started under pressure at Parc des Princes, with Lewis Miley penalized for a handball inside his own box. A VAR review confirmed the decision, but Nick Pope’s outstanding penalty save from Ousmane Dembele set the early tone. Despite Pope’s heroics, PSG’s Vitinha found the net soon after, calmly placing a shot into the bottom corner to give the hosts a deserved lead.

The Magpies, though, refused to wilt. Pope stood tall, making crucial stops from Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, ensuring Newcastle stayed within touching distance. As the first half drew to a close, Dan Burn rose highest to head down a cross for Joe Willock, who powered his own header past Matvey Safonov to level the score.

Midfield Grit and Missed Opportunities in Paris

Newcastle’s midfield, led by Willock and Jacob Ramsey, grew in confidence after halftime. Ramsey’s clever footwork forced Safonov into a smart save, while Anthony Gordon and Willock both went close as the Magpies looked to press their advantage. Willock even thought he had a second goal, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside.

Defensively, Sven Botman and Burn produced timely interventions to keep PSG at bay, with Botman’s late block on Achraf Hakimi preventing what looked a certain winner. Lewis Miley recovered well from his early setback but found the going tough against Nuno Mendes.

Harvey Barnes’ Late Miss Proves Costly

The biggest talking point came late on. Substitute Harvey Barnes, introduced to add fresh legs, missed a golden chance from close range after a dazzling run by Gordon. His miscue ultimately denied Newcastle what could have been a statement win on French soil.

Eddie Howe’s tactical tweaks—particularly the use of a three-man backline in the absence of key midfielders—helped weather the PSG storm, but the Magpies were left ruing missed opportunities. Both sides pushed for a decisive goal in a thrilling, end-to-end finale, but neither could find a winner.

Champions League Standings: Both Teams Drop to Play-Offs

This 1-1 draw did little to help Newcastle or PSG in the Champions League standings, as both dropped out of the top eight, heading into the play-off round. The result leaves work to be done if Newcastle hope to make a deep run in Europe’s elite competition.

Full Newcastle Player Ratings vs PSG

Goalkeeper & Defence:

• Nick Pope (7/10): Brilliant early penalty save, key stops to keep Newcastle in the tie.
• Malick Thiaw (6/10): Supported well on the right; solid if unspectacular.
• Sven Botman (6/10): Early error but a superb last-ditch block late on.
• Dan Burn (8/10): Set up Willock’s goal, dominant defending and crucial blocks.

Midfield:

• Lewis Miley (5/10): Gave away penalty but recovered, though often second best.
• Jacob Ramsey (7/10): Created chances, denied by superb PSG defending.
• Sandro Tonali (6/10): Struggled early, improved as game progressed.
• Lewis Hall (6/10): Caught out for PSG’s opener, but contributed defensively.

Attack:

• Anthony Elanga (5/10): Booked for a heavy challenge; struggled to impact the game.
• Nick Woltemade (6/10): Decent hold-up play, but lacked a cutting edge.
• Joe Willock (8/10): Scored the equalizer, energetic display, unlucky with second goal ruled out.

Substitutes & Manager:

• Harvey Barnes (5/10): Missed key late chance, a moment that defined the result.
• Anthony Gordon (6/10): Provided attacking impetus from the bench.
• Yoane Wissa (6/10): Saw little of the ball after coming on.
• Eddie Howe (8/10): Smart tactical adjustments, his side battled hard against quality opposition.

For more news and updates on Newcastle’s Champions League journey, visit for more news.

Opinion: Newcastle Show Promise, But Must Be More Clinical

Newcastle player ratings vs PSG reveal a team that fought bravely in Paris, showing real Champions League pedigree through the likes of Willock and Burn. However, top-level football often comes down to taking chances—something Harvey Barnes will rue after his late miss. If the Magpies are to progress further in Europe, they need to convert such moments into victories. The foundations are strong, but clinical edge is the missing piece for Eddie Howe’s men.