SOCCER: PSG and Newcastle United face playoffs after Champions League draw

Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United drew 1-1 at the Parc des Princes, forcing both into the Champions League playoff round after failing to secure direct last-16 qualification. Vitinha opened the scoring for PSG, but Joe Willock’s header before halftime earned Newcastle a point.

REUTERS

January 29, 2026

Newcastle United's Joe Willock challenges Paris St Germain's Joao Neves during the UEFA Champions League match at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on January 28, 2026.

Benoit Tessier / Reuters

PARIS – Holders Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United were pushed into the Champions League playoff round after a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, leaving both teams outside direct qualification for the Round of 16.

PSG took an early lead through Vitinha’s low finish, but Newcastle equalized just before halftime when Joe Willock headed in, leaving both sides on 14 points and outside the top eight.

The hosts had an early chance to take control when Lewis Miley was penalized for handball. However, Ousmane Dembele’s penalty was saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, despite PSG dominating large periods of the first half.

After the break, PSG coach Luis Enrique turned to his bench in search of a winner. While PSG held most of the possession, Newcastle remained compact and dangerous on the counterattack, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes testing goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.

-Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne/Reuters