Newcastle player ratings vs AC Milan: Joelinton shines as we exit Champions League

Newcastle hosted Borussia Dortmund in the final UEFA Champions League group stage fixture. It was a game which was highly anticipated and one which Eddie Howe knew he had to win. Ultimately, Newcastle lost by a scoreline of 1-2, meaning they will bow out of the Champions League. But how did the individuals fare? Strap in for my usual Newcastle player ratings vs Dortmund.

The first half was a tale of one half. We started the game off on the front foot and did what we needed to do by grabbing an early goal. In truth, we dominated the right-hand side, with Joelinton, Trippier and Almiron involved in plenty of fine passages of play before one of them transpired into a goal from the Brazilian and what a finish it was.

The start to the second half was full of mixed emotions. Firstly, Dortmund scored, then they conceded, and then Newcastle conceded. This all seemed to happen within a blink and meant that as things stood, Newcastle would be heading to the Europa League.

Then came the heartbreak. As Newcastle were outnumbered in defence, AC Milan carried out a good counter attack and diminished our chances of progression in the Champions League. That's us out of Europe for this season, but I'm still proud of the lads.

Newcastle player ratings vs Dortmund

Martin Dubravka - 6/10. There was some doubt in the buildup to the match as to whether or not the Slovak goalkeeper would play in this match, after he wasn't spotted in training. In truth, he didn't have anything to do in the first half since we dominated the game early on. He conceded twice but he wasn't at fault for either goal.

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