Paris Saint-Germain have once again fallen short at a decisive moment in the UEFA Champions League, missing out on a place in the top eight on the final matchday. A tense 1–1 draw against Newcastle United left PSG stranded in 11th place, forcing Luis Enrique’s side into the February knockout play-off round.

The result means the French champions must now navigate an extra hurdle on the road to the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition, with a two-legged tie against either AS Monaco or Qarabag awaiting them.

The evening started brightly for the hosts in Paris. After Ousmane Dembele failed to convert from the penalty spot, Vitinha made amends in style, firing home a superb long-range strike in the 8th minute to give PSG an early advantage.

However, the lead did not last. Just before the break, Joe Willock brought Newcastle United level, capitalising on a well-worked set-piece to shift the momentum heading into half-time.

The second half saw the visitors grow in confidence, with Newcastle arguably posing the greater attacking threat. PSG’s long-standing issues in front of goal resurfaced once again — the Parisians have now scored just once from their last 49 shots taken inside the opposition penalty area.

Concerns deepened when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced off in the first half with an ankle injury, further disrupting Luis Enrique’s attacking plans. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, handed a starting role, proved crucial late on, producing several key saves to preserve the draw and prevent a damaging defeat.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

PSG - Newcastle United 1:1 (1:1)
Goals: Vitinha F., 8 (1:0); Willock, 45 (1:1)

PSG: Safonov M.; Hakimi; Marquinhos; Mendes N.; Vitinha F.; Kvaratskhelia (Doue D., 23); Zaire-Emery (Mayulu, 87); Pacho; Neves J. P. (Mbaye, 87); Dembele O.; Barcola B. (Ramos G., 70)
Substitution: Doue D. (from 23); Ramos G. (from 70); Mayulu (from 87); Mbaye (from 87)
Bench: Chevalier L.; Beraldo L.; Zabarnyi; Lucas Hernandez

Newcastle United: Pope; Botman; Burn; Hall; Tonali; Thiaw; Willock (Barnes H., 68); Ramsey J.; Miley; Elanga (Gordon A., 68); Woltemade (Wissa Y., 79)
Substitution: Barnes H. (from 68); Gordon A. (from 68); Wissa Y. (from 79)
Bench: Ramsdale; Trippier; Murphy Alex; Bruno Guimarães; Osula; Murphy J-b
Yellow Cards: Elanga 20