PSG 1-1 Newcastle United: Paris set for Play-off battle following 1-1 draw

The European Champions are set to take on Premier League side Newcastle United on the last League Phase game of the Champions League at the Parc des Princes. After a very disappointing 2-1 loss at the hands of Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon last week, Luis Enrique and his team need to secure a victory to clinch a top 8 finish, which would guarantee a knockout stage spot while avoiding the playoffs.

For this game, the Spaniard coach has seen many of his injured players make their return to the squad, including Matvey Safonov and Joao Neves who are set to start the clash. Additionally, Achraf Hakimi who was rested over the weekend against Auxerre is also making his return to the starting lineup while Warren Zaire-Emery slots into the midfield alongside Neves and Vitinha. However, Fabian Ruiz is side-lined after picking up a last-minute injury before the game.

Paris Saint-Germain's starting XI: Safonov; Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi; Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola.

Newcastle United's starting XI: Pope; Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Lewis Miley, Willock, Elanga, Woltemade.

PSG and Newcastle lock in stalemate and fall into Play-off spots

Less than three minutes into the clash, PSG were given a penalty after a VAR check for a handball in the box by Lewis Miley, however, Nick Pope remarkably saved Ousmane Dembélé's attempt after diving to his left (4').

Nonetheless, Vitinha gave the lead to his side shortly after with a superb long range strike to put the ball at the back of the net (8'). Dembélé then came close to add to Paris' lead after a smart move in the box with Barcola but the 2025 Ballon d'Or was once again denied by Pope.

While the visitors managed to create some dangerous situations, PSG seemed to be in complete control of the game in the opening 30 minutes. However, in the ultimate seconds of the first half, Joe Willock equalised after a clever combination on free-kick (45+2).

Both sides were increasingly more dangerous in the second half with more spaces opening up in behind for each teams. Nonetheless, they failed to create any clear cut chances up to this point.

Matvey Safonov delivered an outstanding save to keep his side in the game with less than five minutes left to play in the contest.

Up next, Luis Enrique and his team will take on seventh-placed RC Strasbourg on Matchday 20 of Ligue 1 McDonald's at La Meinau looking to keep their top spot in the league against a tough opponent.