The China Mail - PSG and Newcastle drop into Champions League play-offs after stalemate

Ousmane Dembele had a fourth-minute penalty saved at the Parc des Princes but Vitinha put PSG ahead soon after, only for Joe Willock to equalise for Newcastle in first-half stoppage time.

It means Newcastle finish with a solitary win in their last four European outings, while PSG have won none of their last three and just one of their last five -- a long way from the form which saw them become European champions last season.

Luis Enrique's side had to come through the knockout phase play-offs a year ago, and they must do so again as both they and Newcastle finish outside the top eight places which offer direct access to the last 16.

PSG end 11th on 14 points, while Newcastle are 12th with the same number of points and goal difference but fewer goals scored.

The draw for the play-offs takes place on Friday, with PSG and Newcastle knowing they will take on either Monaco or Qarabag.

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe perhaps had one eye on the upcoming Premier League clash with Liverpool as Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and top scorer Harvey Barnes all started on the bench in the French capital.

Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique gave a recall to Russian goalkeeper Matfei Safonov for what was the French side's 12th game against Premier League opposition since the beginning of last season, and since a Champions League group-stage double header against Newcastle in late 2023.

- Dembele penalty saved -

Newcastle romped to a 4-1 victory at St James' Park and then drew 1-1 in Paris, only being denied another victory when Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty deep in injury time.

This time the penalty for PSG arrived right at the start of the match, when Newcastle's Lewis Miley was penalised for a handball inside the opening minute.

There was nothing much the teenager could do as the ball ricocheted onto his arm but Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic pointed to the spot after a VAR check.

However, this time Newcastle were given a reprieve as Dembele's penalty was kept out by Nick Pope.

Nevertheless, the Parisians took the lead in the seventh minute as Vitinha collected a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pass on the edge of the area before curling a low shot into the corner.

It was a fifth Champions League goal this season for the Portuguese playmaker, who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur in November.

Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi was making his first appearance for PSG since early November after injury and then playing for his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.

If his return is an enormous boost, the French side were dealt a blow midway through the first half as Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia was forced off after appearing to twist his right ankle in a challenge with Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle had not looked a threat but drew level in first-half stoppage time from the kind of goal Premier League fans have become accustomed to this season.

A free-kick into the box was not dealt with by PSG skipper Marquinhos, allowing Dan Burn to nod the ball back for Willock to head in his first goal this season.

Both teams knew that a win would guarantee their presence in the top eight while a draw could mean dropping into the play-offs.

Neither took a gung-ho approach in the second half, although Newcastle became much more dangerous on the break after the introduction of both Gordon and Barnes off the bench.

The latter missed a glorious chance in the 88th minute, slicing wide from close range when a deflected Gordon cross came to him, leaving Newcastle facing a hectic fixture list in February.

N.Wan--ThChM