The Champions League returns to Newcastle after 13 long years on Thursday night! The super rich Premier League club host French giants PSG in their first European game since 2013. What a blockbuster match to mark Newcastle's return to the big time.

In their first game back, Newcastle battled bravely to earn a 0-0 draw away against Italian champions AC Milan. Despite Milan dominating the ball, Newcastle's rock solid defense stood tall under relentless pressure. It was a real statement from the Premier League challengers.

PSG also started their Champions League campaign with a gritty 2-0 home win over German side Borussia Dortmund. But PSG's superstar team including Mbappe and Neymar struggled early on before eventually showing their quality. Even the very best don't always cruise to victory.

When these two meet at packed-out St James' Park, the atmosphere will be incredible. Newcastle's long suffering but loyal fans have waited so long for a big European night like this. They'll drive their team on against PSG's global icons.

Newcastle United vs PSG

The match will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2023, at St James' Park.

Newcastle Return to Big Stage with Gritty Draw in Milan

For the first time in 13 long years, Newcastle United made their return to the pinnacle of European football against Italian aristocrats AC Milan. Many predicted an intimidating San Siro atmosphere would overwhelm the Premier League upstarts.

Toe-to-Toe with Italian Giants

But backed by over 2,500 passionate traveling supporters, Newcastle showed no fear on their major European return. Going toe-to-toe with seven-time champions Milan was a brilliant achievement in itself.

Backline Pass Stern Defensive Test

Managing to keep Milan's array of tricky attackers at bay was no easy task. But Newcastle's defense stood tall under immense pressure, throwing bodies in front of shots and winning tackle after tackle.

The central duo of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar were particularly immense, reading danger expertly and covering each other cleverly. Their defiant performance sets the platform for Newcastle's European adventure.

Ruthless Finishing Lacking

Newcastle's main shortcoming was failing to capitalize on their few counter attacking opportunities. Usually clinical Callum Wilson was well shackled, while Miguel Almiron wasted a golden first half chance.

With Milan dominating possession, Newcastle must sharpen their finishing from limited openings. But keeping Milan's attack quiet was already a massive accomplishment on the night.

Platform to Build On

This stoic away display proves Newcastle deserve their place back among Europe's elite clubs after heavy investment under new ownership.

The players showed they can compete with the very best talent. Once Newcastle add the missing creative spark in attack, a long-awaited European run could be on the cards.

Chance to Return to the Summit

After years of underachievement, frustration, and false dawns, could this finally be the season Newcastle's huge army of loyal fans see their club return to the pinnacle of English and European football? From Champions League glory to a first league title since 1927, the Toon's activity this summer suggests they are determined to make those dreams a reality.

Exciting Months Ahead for Fans

The upcoming months promise to be an exhilarating ride for the Magpies faithful. But regardless of what unfolds, one thing is certain - with further lavish investment, the sky's the limit for Howe's new-look Newcastle.

PSG's Stars Deliver Victory From Underwhelming Performance

Despite playing at home with a squad full of global superstars, PSG made an oddly subdued start. Dortmund passed around them easily and created dangerous chances against the sluggish hosts.

Sluggish PSG Struggle Early On

PSG's array of attackers couldn't find any rhythm as Dortmund pressed aggressively and collapsed through the middle of the park. The German side dominated the opening 15 minutes, shocking the Parisian faithful.

Set Piece Specialist Mbappe Strikes

With their expansive passing moves stifled, PSG turned to set pieces to grab the lead, which highlighted their mental strength. Mbappe lost his marker and directed home a bullet header from a corner against the run of play.

Reliance on moments of individual brilliance like Mbappe's set piece goal underscored a disjointed team display lacking PSG's usual slick interplay. But Mbappe's solo quality shined through.

Depth the Difference

Neutralized for long stretches, PSG eventually took control after injecting the energy of substitutes like Sarabia. Dortmund's pressing wore down while PSG kept rotating quality players.

The waves of talent available handed PSG the fitness edge late on. Hakimi's fresh legs streaked away to seal the win after Mbappe's perfect pass. PSG's scary squad depth overwhelmed tiring Dortmund.

Confidence Boosting Victory

Despite an underwhelming collective performance, PSG will be relieved to earn three vital points through their individual stars.

After an inconsistent start in Ligue 1, this gritty victory provides a platform to build confidence. PSG showed mental strength once again to triumph on a difficult night.

New Era for PSG

The overall impression of PSG's summer business is quite positive. They addressed clear needs in attack, midfield and defense with smart signings who have experience at the highest levels. The balance between promising young players and proven veterans looks good on paper. 

The pressure is immense to finally break through in the Champions League, but this retooled squad has the talent to go toe-to-toe with Europe's elite clubs. Mbappe sticking around was critical, and the new attackers should ease the creative burden on him. 

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United XI:  Pope, Burn, Botman, Schar, Trippier, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Almiron

PSG XI: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez, Ugarte, Zaire-Emery,Ruiz, Vitinha, Asensio, Soler

Key Battles

PSG's scary forward line led by Mbappe could run riot if given space. So Newcastle's defensive duo of Schar and Botman must stay alert and organized. In attack, speedy winger Gordon could trouble PSG on his Champions League debut.

Conclusion

While PSG are heavy favorites on paper, their bad habit of slowing down against weaker opponents gives Newcastle some hope. And the passion of the Newcastle supporters in their famous stadium can inspire the players to spring an upset.

Either way, the Champions League anthem blaring out in Newcastle once again will give the whole city a buzz. What a moment for this fallen giant of English soccer!