They’ll always have Paris. They’ll have the glorious memories of hammering Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 at home, but Newcastle will also have the fury and frustration of the injury-time penalty at the Parc des Princes two weeks ago. It was that decision, a cross flicking off Tino Livramento’s torso and on to his arm as he chased back, that they will feel, far more than defeat by Milan, eliminated them from Europe.
In time, perhaps, there will be a feeling that a slender squad will benefit from the free midweeks later in the season. In the long run, in terms of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, which will be essential for attracting the highest tier of talent to the club, this may be for the best. But it will be a while before the disappointment fades, and the sense of being cheated.
