AC Milan needed a hero on Wednesday, and Christian Pulisic did his part.
The U.S. men’s national team attacker scored his first Champions League goal (and sixth in all competitions) since a summer transfer to the Serie A giants, sparking a comeback 2-1 win at Newcastle.
The victory kept Milan in European play, though notably not in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund meant that both the Rossoneri and PSG finished Group F on eight points.
PSG’s 4-2 edge in total goals in head-to-head meetings (Milan won 2-1 in Italy, while PSG claimed a 3-0 triumph in France) means the French giants claimed second place on a tiebreaker, sending Milan to the Europa League.
Milan trailed 1-0 at St. James’ Park after Joelinton’s powerful strike gave the Magpies a first-half lead. With Milan needing a win to continue in Europe and Newcastle holding the Rossoneri without a shot in the first 45 minutes, things looked grim.
However, Milan got its lifeline through Pulisic in the 59th minute. Rafael Leão, just barely onside, crossed for Fikayo Tomori only for the England center back to mis-hit an attempted finish.
That proved fortuitous, as the ball skewed to Olivier Giroud, and the France striker smartly shuttled the ball to a wide-open Pulisic to finish. Milan’s first attempt on goal was also an equalizer.
Pulisic made some USMNT history in the process, becoming the first U.S. player to score a Champions League goal at three different clubs.
Manager Stefano Pioli — facing a desperate situation as Milan hunted the goal needed to claim a win and book a place in Europe for the second half of the season — sent striker Luka Jović on for Pulisic in the 73rd minute.
Given Pulisic’s recent form (two goals and an assist in Milan’s three matches thus far in December), that decision may have drawn criticism, but Pioli’s moves turned out to be masterstrokes.
An 84th minute counter saw Jović and fellow substitute Noah Okafor combine to tee up Samuel Chukwueze — a third sub Pioli threw on in pursuit of a miracle — for a goal that stunned the home fans, sending Milan into the lead.
That dramatic late winner broke Newcastle hearts, but with PSG hanging on for a draw at Signal Iduna Park, it also meant a mixed bag for Milan. Maintaining a place in European competition is undeniably good news, but the Europa League is hardly where Milan wanted to be playing.
