Super-sub Chukwueze nets stunner to send AC Milan into UEFA Europa League
Italian giants eliminate Newcastle United
Super Eagles ace Samuel Chukwueze made a telling contribution after coming off the bench to help AC Milan defeat Newcastle United 2-1 and avoid elimination from European competition.
AC Milan needed to win against Newcastle United and hope things went their way in the other Group F match. Despite scoring in their last Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, Chukwueze started from the bench
The Italians started the game in lethargic fashion, and the home side opened the scoring in brilliant fashion through Brazilian midfielder-cum-forward Joelinton in the 32nd minute of the clash.
AC Milan equalised in the second half with a goal made in Chelsea, as Olivier Giroud assisted Christian Pulisic to level the scores just before the hour mark.
The manager of the Italian side, Stefano Pioli, decided to turn to his bench in the 82nd minute, introducing Chukwueze in place of midfielder Yunus Musah and Noah Okafor in place of Giroud.
The duo combined to devastating effect only 70 seconds later following a lightning quick counter attack, with Okafor teeing up the Nigerian winger to curl home a first-time effort to put his side ahead and complete the comeback.
AC Milan held on to claim a vital win away from home, with Chukwueze’s goal ensuring that they finished in third place ahead of Newcastle. They will now continue in the UEFA Europa League in the new year.
