NEWCASTLE v AC MILAN: THE DEBRIEFING

For the first time in their history, AC Milan have won twice from losing positions in the same edition of the Champions League. The 2-1 win over Newcastle did not get Stefano Pioli's team out of Group F and through to the round of 16, but it has left to light important indications of what the Rossoneri's path will be this season. In our Debriefing, we review three elements to take away from this European night.

PRIDE AND WILLINGNESS
In the opening months of this season, AC Milan fought back and recovered themselves. Both of the Rossoneri's victories in the Champions League have come from being one down, PSG at San Siro preceding this success at St James' Park. After a difficult first half and a performance below the potential of this team, the response we needed arrived after the break, earning a result that still keeps us in Europe. And this response came with pride and willingness, in a match that remained very intense and that became fragmented, scrappy and nervous, without thinking of calculations and being influenced by the news from Dortmund. It is a result that leaves mixed feelings, but there is no doubt that we can and must go again from the second-half reaction in upcoming league games.

IMPACT OF THE SUBS
A fundamental key. From the generosity of Luka Jović and Tommaso Pobega to the impact of the returning Noah Okafor and Sammy Chukwueze, who made - together with the Serbian - the goal to make it 2-1 just a few seconds after coming on. In addition, it is the number 21's second consecutive goal in the Champions League. Even Davide Bartesaghi, making his debut in Europe's major competition and on the pitch late on to defend the result, stood out with a couple of important stops in the advanced stages of the game. It's a victory and a team response, on a cold night in Newcastle, in which everyone played their part with a great spirit of self-sacrifice and pride. It wasn't about eleven starters and five subs, but 16 starters demonstrating the spirit of the group in one of the most difficult moments of the season, and where the entire team responded to the call.

MIKE AND FIK
Rossoneri bastions, only broken through by Joelinton's unstoppable goal in the first half. Another fundamental part of the evening at St James' Park was represented by the performances of Fikayo Tomori and Mike Maignan. The former - chosen by the Rossoneri fans as the best player on the pitch - stood out for his sensational defensive clearance from Almirón, and in general for an alert and complete performance on every front. Fik also came close to making it 3-1, with the post denying what would have been an undoubtedly deserved moment of joy. Meanwhile, Mike, added another incredible snapshot to his splendid Rossoneri collection with an unbelievable save from Bruno Guimarães, which stopped the stadium's celebration in its tracks and helped provide AC Milan's energy to spark hopes of a comeback. Two decisive performances in a department very much affected this season by numerous injuries. Two leaders to start back up again from.

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