Samuel Chukwueze’s late goal clinched Milan’s 2-1 win against Newcastle, securing a third-place finish in Champions League group F. Christian Pulisic scored the opener for the visitors, while Chukwueze who came in as a substitute, completed Milan’s tally, to ensure the victory. However, the win was not enough to help the Italian giants progress in the tournament, as they dropped into the Europa, having finished third in their group, trailing Borussia Dortmund and PSG. Despite Rafael Leao’s return and a makeshift central defense with Theo Hernandez, Milan struggled in the test against inspired Newcastle side. 
Samuel Chukwueze’s late strike secures AC Milan’s Europa spot – Getty image Joelinton had earlier scored a ferocious strike for the host, to put them ahead. Milan responded in the second half, as Olivier Giroud intelligently set up Pulisic to tap in the equalizer. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s heroics, including a decisive save that hit the crossbar, kept Milan in contention.
De Bruyne on the ground after suffering a hamstring injury against Inter Milan. Source: Getty De Bruyne required treatment just before the half-hour mark in Istanbul with the game still goalless. He appeared to be clutching the back of his leg. The midfielder attempted to play through the pain but was unable to continue and was taken off in the 36th minute. Phil Foden came off the bench to replace him. He held back his emotion as he made the lonely walk off the pitch. But it was a familiar story for the 31-year-old assist king. 