Kylian Mbappe secured an essential point for Paris Saint-Germain via a late controversial penalty against Premier League side, Newcastle United at Parc des Princes.
The English side, who were impressive with their defending after going ahead via Aleksander Isak’s goal in the first half, were denied a famous victory late in the game.
With this draw, the visitors remain hopeful in the fight to reach the Champions League knockout stages.
Having returned to the tournament after 20 years of absence, Newcastle were on the verge of making their job easier with a professional display that saw Isak score the opener after Miguel Almiron’s effort had been pushed to the striker’s feet.
They showed top-class discipline by defending with their all as they kept out PSG, and Nick Pope made a superb save from close range to deny Bradley Barcola and then Kylian Mbappe, who drove the rebound just wide.
PSG finally got the equaliser deep in stoppage time as the referee pointed to the penalty spot when Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled the ball, and Mbappe made no mistake from the spot.
The result leaves Newcastle third in Group F, two points behind second-placed PSG.
Borussia Dortmund have already qualified after securing a 3-1 win against AC Milan. This is their first victory in 20 years against AC Milan at the San Siro.
Eddie Howe’s side now needs to beat AC Milan in their final group game, hoping that Borussia Dortmund will get a result against PSG.
The controversial penalty breaks Newcastle’s hearts after they had put in a brilliant display of fight and bravery to keep out the hosts for 97 minutes.
The controversial penalty that got Mbappe the goal was awarded in the last minute of eight added on in stoppage time when Ousmane Dembele’s cross struck the chest of Livramento – who had been excellent throughout – and bounced up onto his arm.
After the video assistant referee checked the video and referee Szymon Marciniak then consulted the pitchside monitor, he awarded the spot-kick, which Mbappe thumped past Pope.
This has now gone out of Newcastle’s hands as they hope PSG falls at the Signal Iduna Park in two weeks.
Written by Oladipupo Mojeed
