14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | OCTOBER 6, 2023 SPORTS FERRAN TORRES’S strike earned Barcelona a tense 1-0 win at Porto in the Champions League yesterday, which coach Xavi Hernandez said “got rid of ghosts” the club had from previous years. Barcelona have been eliminated in the opening stage in the past two editions but this hard-fought triumph on the road puts them in a strong position as Group H leaders to avoid a third consecutive strike-out. Xavi said the trip to the north of Portugal would be the hardest group game and his team had to dig deep, surviving a penalty which was cancelled after a VAR review and an offside goal in the gripping final stages. Barca midfielder Gavi was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card as the Catalans clung on desperately to secure victory. “We lacked a lot of calm, a lot of patience (but) this is Europe, it’s Porto, it’s away from home, everything is hard, very hard,” Xavi told reporters, after his 100th game as Barca coach. “If we talk about negatives there are a lot, but if we talk about positives there are a lot too. “We came from having ‘ghosts’, but now we’ve got rid of them. We were able to win away from home against a historic team.” Five-time champions Barcelona last won the competition in 2015, with the years since littered with struggle and failure on the continent. Xavi selected youngster Lamine Yamal on the right wing, making him the youngest starter in Champions League history at 16 years and 83 days. The teenager showed some bright sparks in the first half but largely Porto were on top, cutting through a Barcelona midfield shorn of the injured Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Joao Felix was involved in Barcelona’s best attacking moments, to a cacophony of whistles from Porto fans who had not forgotten his Benfica past. The Eagles beat Porto in the Portuguese Clasico last week, which Felix said would only motivate his old rivals even further. However Porto midfielder Romario Baro lost concentration just before half-time and it proved costly for his side, who had more than held their own. Romario’s under-hit pass was easily stolen by Ilkay Gundogan, who threaded through Torres. The Spanish forward, who replaced injured hitman Robert Lewandowski earlier in the first half, rolled home a low strike under Diogo Costa. Jules Kounde made a superb tackle and Marc-Andre ter Stegen twice denied Galeno as Barcelona did everything they could to keep Porto at bay. “We had been talking about it, this match was worth half of the qualification,” Torres told Movistar. “It was a win that we had to get however we can, and we showed that we are good with the ball but we know how to suffer without it too. “Football is about taking advantage of opposition mistakes – they put us under a lot of high pressure. The important thing in the end is the three points.” – AFP Torres rescues Barca Catalans ‘get rid of ghosts’ with important win at Porto Japan set for ‘do-or-die’ Argentina clash JAPAN winger Kotaro Matsushima said yesterday this weekend’s Rugby World Cup game with Argentina is “do-or-die” in their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. The winner of Sunday’s (7pm Malaysiam time) game in Toulouse will reach the last-eight, as runners-up to England in Pool D. Japan took it down to the wire due to a win over 14-man Samoa last week whilst the Pumas have not impressed thus far, but wins over the Samoans and Chile have kept their hopes alive of reaching the last eight. “Perhaps due to pressure, they (Argentina) don’t seem to be clicking at the moment,” Matsushima told reporters. “Because it’s a do-or-die thing, it’s going to come down to our will to win the game,” the 30-year-old added. Before the tournament Argentina were sixth in the world rankings and looked settled under Michael Cheika with statement wins over England and Australia in the past year. “Prior to the World Cup, I had the impression that they were coming together as a team,” Matsushima said. “But obviously regular Test matches and the World Cup have a totally different atmosphere,” he added. One threat Cheika’s side pose is through winger Emiliano Boffelli’s accurate long-range goal-kicking. “In the last game against Samoa, we lost a lot of easy penalties from offsides,” Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath’s Matsushima said. “So as backs, we want to make sure we keep our communication up during the game. “It’s something that we’ve been working on at training, so not giving away easy penalties will be a key point for this week,” he added. – AFP ALVARO MORATA hit a brace as Atletico Madrid twice came from behind to beat Feyenoord 3-2 and move top of Champions League Group E yesterday. Spanish striker Morata has excelled this season, becoming a key figure for Diego Simeone’s side in attack, alongside Antoine Griezmann, who netted Atletico’s other goal. The Rojiblancos were inconsistent but moments of quality from Morata and Griezmann proved the difference in an end-to-end clash at the Metropolitano. “It was a very difficult game. We knew that we were up against a great opponent, a side who are fast, dangerous and full of a lot of young players. And that’s exactly what we came up against,” Simeone said, as per tribalfootball.com. “We took advantage of the few chances we had and could have also scored one more with (Nahuel) Molina in the first half. In the second half we were good for the first 20 minutes, better. “The goal gave us more energy and we pushed the game for a bit. But then we started to fatigue and it’s hard. “(Jan) Oblak made some great saves and we had to defend. It was a difficult game until the end. “It shows that this team has weapons, the tools to come back, to attack. But we have to improve in other aspects. “We are playing every three days and we have very few players because of injuries and it’s difficult. But it is what it is. You have to play well, you have to run and win.” Speaking to Movistar after the final whistle, goalscorer Morata added: “They all have great teams, this is the Champions League, you have to suffer to win. “We pressed for it, we knew how to suffer and took three very important points.” The forward said he was delighted by the atmosphere Atletico fans created. “If we continue like this, with the fans giving everything to us, it will be difficult for anyone to beat us,” he added. – AFP/Agencies Morata brace fires Atletico past Feyenoord Sivasangari bags gold after hard-fought battle NATIONAL squash player S. Sivasangari narrowly beat Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk to clinch the Asian Games women’s singles gold at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court yesterday. The 24-year-old won the match 8-11, 15-13, 10-12, 11-9, 12-10 in a 64-minute battle. Sivasangari, who recovered from a horrific road accident last year, also won the women’s team gold on Saturday. The world No. 37, fondly known as Sangari, advanced to the final after stunning top seed Satomi Watanabe of Japan 11-8, 11- 8, 11-4, while Sin Yuk ousted compatriot Ho Tze Lok 11-4, 11-5, 11-8. Sivasangari took silver in singles at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games after losing to former world No. 1 Datuk Nicol David in the final and won bronze in the team event. Malaysia miss out on squash mixed doubles gold NATIONAL squash players Mohammad Syafiq Mohd Kamal-Aifa Azman missed out on the first Asian Games mixed doubles gold after losing to top seeds Dipika Pallikal-Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu of India in the final yesterday. Despite fighting back from 2-9 down in the second set, Mohammad Syafiq-Aifa could not stop the Asian Mixed Doubles Squash Championships winners from taking the gold with a close win of 11-10, 11-10 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Squash Court. However, the Malaysians can still be proud of their achievement of winning silver in the mixed doubles, which made its debut at the Hangzhou Games. Aifa, who could not avoid crying during the post-match interview, said their aim was to win gold but they accepted their fate. “Obviously, in the second set I made a lot of mistakes, causing us to be trailing by a huge gap. But I am happy with Syafiq for staying together in the game to lead 10-9. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t close it. It’s still a good performance and I’m happy with our achievement,” she said. Mohammad Syafiq said they had worked hard the past two years with the aim of winning gold but had to be contented with the silver. “We gave everything today in court. In terms of effort, fighting spirit and mental (strength), I am proud of our team. However, the Indian pair is slightly more experienced in handling the pressure situation in the final,” he added. No Asian Games medal for Zii Jia NATIONAL top men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s chase for his maiden Asian Games medal remains elusive as he was eliminated in the quarterfinals yesterday. The world No. 16, went down against HS Prannoy of India 16-21, 23-21, 20- 22 at the Binjiang Gymnasium yesterday. It was another Asiad heartbreak for the 25- year-old Zii Jia, after having been eliminated in the round of 16 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Speaking to reporters after the match, dejected Zii Jia said he is very worried about his recent results and performances and hopes to rebound quickly to continue his quest for Paris 2024 Olympic qualifications. “For Malaysians and fans as well, it’s not that I don’t want good results, but sometimes this is the process we need to accept. “I don’t know how long it will take, but I need to learn from every tournament and this is the experience. “If the fans are sad, I am even sadder because I am the one playing in the court and had given so much in the match. “I’m not a young boy with a lack of discipline, and neither have I skipped training. I trained hard every day, giving my 100%. “Sometimes we performed well but the result is not in our favour. I am still far from being a stable and mature player, I need to admit this,” said Zii Jia. Gold Silver Bronze China 176 96 53 Japan 40 51 59 South Korea 33 47 74 India 21 32 32 Uzbekistan 16 16 22 Taiwan 14 15 22 Thailand 10 12 27 Bahrain 10 1 5 North Korea 9 13 8 Hong Kong 7 16 29 MALAYSIA 5 6 17 MEDAL TALLY ASIAN GAMES Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski (left) is tackled by FC Porto’s David Carmo during their Champions League match at the Dragao stadium. – AFPPIX
15 * SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | OCTOBER 6, 2023 ‘One of best’ Pep hails Lewis after City secure hard-fought victory PEP GUARDIOLA hailed Rico Lewis as one of the best players he has ever coached after his starring role in Manchester City’s hardfought win at RB Leipzig. The 18-year-old produced a commanding display as the holders maintained the winning start to their Champions League defence with a 3-1 success at the Red Bull Arena yesterday. Lewis, who made his first-team breakthrough as a right-back last season, had a hand in Phil Foden’s opening goal and proved City’s main driving force throughout. City manager Guardiola, the former Barcelona boss whose past players have included Lionel Messi, said: “What a player! What a player! “I’ve been a manager for 14, 15, years and lucky to train one of the best players in the world in Barcelona. “To find a player like him playing in the pockets, how he has to move as a holding midfielder, moving in the spaces, he is one of the best I’ve ever trained by far. “He’s a humble guy, doesn’t talk much. He didn’t play much this season but he is going to play a lot.” Despite Lewis’ contributions, it took the introduction of substitutes Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to secure a hard-fought victory. City controlled the first half and led at the break through Foden’s 25th-minute strike but they were pegged back after the restart by Lois Openda. The second half was a frustrating affair with Erling Haaland missing several chances and Foden hitting the bar but Alvarez made the breakthrough with a stunning effort on 84 minutes. Doku wrapped up a second successive win in Group G in injury time. After back-to-back defeats domestically, Guardiola was pleased to get back to winning ways. He said: “Three or four days ago it was no progress because we lost in Wolves. It was important to break that. “We played a fantastic game in all departments. We conceded two or three transitions in the second half but it’s normal. “When a team is able to make a lot of passes early on, very nice things are going to happen in the game. “The guys who came from the bench, the contribution they have done is the key point. Everyone helped each other. I am really satisfied. It was a tough game.” Leipzig coach Marco Rose was pleased with the effort of his side but had no complaints about the result. Rose said: “Manchester City deserved to win, even if it was 1-1 in the 83rd minute and we had hoped to hold on until the end. “We did well after the break and got our equaliser. It was then an open game then but City put us under pressure at the death again. We are learning from the best.” – The Independent Henry puts pressure on Arsenal stars THIERRY HENRY has admitted that he wasn’t surprised by Arsenal’s unexpected Champions League defeat against French side Lens on Wednesday. And the Gunners legend has named three players who must now step forward to show their true credentials after key forward Bukayo Saka was forced off injured. The 22-year-old had been taken off with injury concerns during his last two starts but could now be facing a spell on the sidelines. Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer Henry gave credit to Ligue 1 runners-up Lens, who created a hostile atmosphere for the North London club before turning his attention to discussing who can fill the void up front in Saka’s absence. Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry said: “Lens is a tough place. They create a lot through their wing-backs, they don’t allow you to play inside, the atmosphere is rocking, it’s a tough place to go and win. “That’s exactly what happened to Arsenal... away from home in Europe nothing is easy. I’m not suprised with the result.” When fellow studio pundit Jamie Carragher questioned Henry on just how concerned he was about losing Saka ahead of the Manchester City match, the former French World Cup winner imediately threw down the guantlet to the 22-year-old’s teammates. Henry said: “It’s going to be the job of Eddie Nketiah, the job of a Trossard (Leandro), the job of a Kai Havertz to make sure that we are not going to think about Bukayo if he’s not playing at the weekend. “It’s not a criticism but the only thing you can say about Bukayo is he’s been playing everything. “At one point you’re going to hit the wall and it’s going to be a bit too much.” “I don’t know exactly what happened because we don’t have the diagnostics of what’s happening with him, whether it’s a muscle injury or a knock or whatever. “But obviously, he’s going to be missed and we need to find a way to beat City because we haven’t done that for a very long time in the league.” – Express Newspapers ERIK TEN HAG reportedly feels unable to deliver some home truths in the Manchester United dressing out of fear of upsetting some members of the squad. United’s season went from bad to worse this week after they suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Galatasaray to leave them without a point in the Champions League through their opening two games. They’ve not fared much better in the League having lost four of their first seven matches. But the defeat to Galatasaray was arguably the ugliest loss during Ten Hag’s tenure with the team being booed off the pitch at the final whistle. Reports have indicated that Ten Hag’s job is safe at Old Trafford as he’s been entrusted as the man to lead them back to their former glory days. However, it appears as though the Dutchman doesn’t feel capable of truly speaking his mind in the dressing room to get his message across. According to ESPN, the United boss has not been as harsh as he would like to be in his criticism behind the scenes. It’s said that there are some concerns from Ten Hag regarding the “mental fragility of the squad”. He’s already called on his squad to show better “body language” when they suffer a setback in a match. Ten Hag said: “We have to do better that is definitely the case, but we have to show it, even in our body language.” But the report adds that Ten Hag has been left “frustrated” that some players aren’t listening to him. A new central defender is reportedly wanted by Ten Hag heading into the January transfer window. But his biggest immediate test will be trying to turn results around at United with a home match against Brentford tomorrow. And Ten Hag has called on his squad to use their poor form as motivation to put in a muchimproved performance against Thomas Frank’s side. He said: “I think, for tonight, we have to settle down and look forward to Saturday, which is most important. We have to go again and have energy. The setback we have, has to be the fuel for Saturday.” United already find themselves nine points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and will be at risk of falling behind in the race for a top four finish. – The Independent Devils mental fragility a worry for Ten Hag █ ANDY HAMPSON RESULTS & STANDINGS MATCH-BY-MATCH facts and stats ahead of the next round of the English Premier League (all in Malaysian time/10pm unless stated): TOMORROW Luton vs Tottenham (7.30pm) – AWAY WIN The teams last met in a 0-0 draw in a League Division One game in 1992. Spurs have 33 wins in this fixture overall (D25 L22). while Luton last defeated Spurs in 1987, winning 2-0 in a top-flight clash. Spurs are unbeaten in the Premier League this season (W5 D2). Fulham vs Sheffield United – HOME WIN Sheffield United are bottom of the League standings with one point from seven games. They have lost their last three League games and have won one of their four Premier League meetings with Fulham (D1 L2). Both teams are tied for fewest shots taken this season with 66. They are also tied with Bournemouth for fewest goals (5). Burnley vs Chelsea – AWAY WIN Chelsea have won seven of their past nine Premier League games against Burnley (D2) and have won their last five Premier League games at Turf Moor. The Blues can win three straight games in all competitions for the first time since March if they beat the Clarets. Man United vs Brentford – HOME WIN Manchester United have lost four out of their seven League games this season -- making this their worst start to a top-flight campaign since 1989-90. Brentford have dropped eight points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, the jointmost with Bournemouth. United have won three of their four Premier League meetings with The Bees. Everton vs Bournemouth – HOME WIN Everton top the Premier League charts for most big chances missed this season. Bournemouth are one of only two teams, along with Sheffield United, who have not won a Premier League game this season (D3 L4). The Toffees have lost all four of their home League games this season. SUNDAY C. Palace vs N. Forest (12.30am) – HOME WIN Crystal Palace have never won a Premier League game against Forest (D3 L3) and last beat Forest in a second-tier Championship clash in 2011. Palace have kept three clean sheets this season, the joint-most along with five other clubs. Brighton vs Liverpool (9pm) – AWAY WIN Brighton have won two of their 12 Premier League games against Liverpool (D3 L7) and have scored the most Premier League goals this season with 19. The Redsl will be without Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota after the pair were shown red cards in a 2-1 League defeat by Spurs. West Ham vs Newcastle (9pm) – AWAY WIN Newcastle United won this fixture 5-1 last season and have won 23 of their 50 Premier League games against the Hammers (D13 L14). The Magpies are unbeaten in their last four League trips to the London Stadium, winning three times and drawing once. Wolvers vs Aston Villa (9pm) – AWAY WIN Only Manchester City (71) have claimed more points in the Premier League in 2023 than Aston Villa’s 58. Villans boss Unai Emery is winless in all five meetings against Wolves (D3 L2) while Villa have lost five of their last six away games against Wolves in all competitions. Arsenal vs Man City (11.30pm) – AWAY WIN City have beaten Arsenal in all of their last 12 Premier League games and are unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League games against Arsenal (W13 D2) since a 2-1 away defeat in December 2015 The Gunners are unbeaten in the Premier League this season (W5 D2). Reuters CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Group E: Atletico Madrid 3 (Morata 12, 47, Griezmann 45+4) Feyenoord 2 (Hermoso 7-og, Hancko 34), Celtic 1 (Furuhashi 12) Lazio 2 (Vecino 29, Pedro 90+5). P W D L F A Pts Atletico 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Lazio 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 Feyenoord 2 1 0 1 4 3 3 Celtic 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 Group F: Borussia Dortmund 0 AC Milan, Newcastle United 4 (Almiron 17, Burn 39, Longstaff 50, Schar 90+1) Paris Saint-Germain 1 (Hernandez 56). P W D L F A Pts Newcastle 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 PSG 2 1 0 1 3 4 3 AC Milan 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 Dortmund 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 Group G: RB Leipzig 1 (Openda 48) Manchester City 3 (Foden 25, Alvarez 84, Doku 90+2), Red Star Belgrade 2 (Ndiaye 35, Bukari 88) Young Boys 2 (Ugrinic 48, Itten 61-pen). P W D L F A Pts Man City 2 2 0 0 6 2 6 RB Leipzig 2 1 0 1 4 4 3 Young Boys 2 0 1 1 3 5 1 Red Star 2 0 1 1 3 5 1 Group H: Antwerp 2 (Muja 3, Balikwisha 33) Shakhtar Donetsk 3 (Sikan 48, 76, Rakitskyy 71), Porto 0 Barcelona 1 (Torres 45+1). P W D L F A Pts Barcelona 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 Porto 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 S. Donetsk 2 1 0 1 4 5 3 Antwerp 2 0 0 2 2 8 0 Championship: Coventry 1 Blackburn 0, Leeds 1 QPR 0, Leicester 3 Preston 0, Sunderland 2 Watford 0, Swansea 2 Norwich 1, Rotherham 1 Bristol City 2. TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts Ipswich 10 8 1 1 21 11 25 Leicester 9 8 0 1 18 6 24 Preston 9 6 2 1 13 10 20 Sunderland 9 5 1 3 18 8 16 West Brom 10 4 4 2 17 11 16 Norwich 9 5 1 3 19 16 16 Cardiff 10 5 1 4 16 14 16 Hull 10 4 4 2 14 12 16 Southampton 10 5 1 4 16 20 16 Birmingham 10 4 3 3 12 10 15 PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEWS & PREDICTIONS Man City’s Rico Lewis (centre) and Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan (right) vie for the ball during the Champions League Group G match yesterday. – AFPPIX
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME FRIDAY • OCTOBER 6, 2023 That’s madness, says Neville after Klopp calls for Liverpool replay GARY NEVILLE has urged Jurgen Klopp to move on after the Liverpool manager called for his side’s defeat at Tottenham to be replayed. The Reds saw Luis Diaz’s opening goal wrongly disallowed for offside, with the referees’ body PGMOL now releasing the audio of the major VAR error following a request from Liverpool. But Klopp says the audio conversation, with VAR lead Darren England and assistant Dan Cook failing to realise the on-field decision was onside, has not changed his thinking and believes the match should be played again. Liverpool also had two players sent off in the defeat, midfielder Curtis Jones and forward Diogo Jota, before conceding a 96th-minute winner in the 2-1 defeat. The result was Liverpool’s first defeat of the season. Liverpool responded strongly to the VAR controversy, vowing to “explore their options” in a statement that led to the PGMOL releasing the audio of the error to the public on Wednesday. However former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports pundit Neville believe Klopp has gone too far by calling for the game to be replayed, in what would be an unprecedented move for the Premier League. Reacting to Klopp’s comments on Twitter/X, Neville said: “Can’t believe how Liverpool have grabbed defeat from victory in their handling of this! They were wronged by a shocking mistake. End of! Neville, who was highly critical of the VAR process following Saturday’s match, added in a further post that Liverpool had escalated the situation by “mentioning integrity and exploring options”. “Now we’ve seen they want a replay!” Neville said. “That’s madness.” Klopp’s comments were also widely ridiculed by Tottenham fans, who joked that if Saturday’s Premier League match is replayed then the 2019 Champions League final should be too. In that game, Liverpool were awarded an early penalty for a controversial handball and went on to win the Madrid final 2-0. The former Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, who played in the final, added: “Count me in!” The entire event has been problematic, especially when it emerged Simon Hooper and his team – those involved in the Tottenham vs Liverpool match – were on duty at a fixture in the UAE, just 48 hours previously. On the tapes itself, the error was quickly noticed but there was a statement that nothing could be done as the match had already resumed – despite the wrong call being made. A replay of the match would be possible under UEFA competition rules. Premier League sources are adamant that a replay of the controversial clash will not happen, especially since their rules only allow for a replay in the event of a club being guilty of an offence, but there is a belief within football legal circles that the fact the competition’s own rules make no other mention may allow a new precedent to be set. Klopp became the first figure to publicly raise the prospect of a replay in his Europa League press conference. The Liverpool manager said he would prefer that as an outcome of this controversy, but admitted it’s unlikely. Liverpool have not made such a request up to now, as the fall-out from the decision to wrongly disallow Diaz’s goal continues. It was the nature of how that goal was ruled out that could create a problem for the game if the club do decide to pursue that route. A replay would be possible over incorrect application of laws, rather than an outright mistake: since the VAR actually identified that Diaz was onside, the correct application of the laws of the game would have been to award a goal, but that evidently didn’t happen. That takes it beyond the threshold of a simple mistake, and would have fallen under the provisions for a protest to UEFA. The European governing body do allow clubs to submit protests – albeit within 12 hours of the game finishing. – The Independent Magpies in dreamland Howe staying grounded after Newcastle’s ‘amazing night’ against PSG NEWCASTLE boss Eddie Howe will not allow Newcastle to get ahead of themselves despite seeing them dismantle Champions League giants Paris St Germain. The 4-1 victory over the 2020 runners-up at St James’ Park took the Magpies – playing in the competition for the first time in 20 years – to the top of Group F after two games. However, head coach Howe was refusing to be carried away by a performance and a result which brought back memories of the club’s 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona 26 years ago. Howe, who inherited a Newcastle side seemingly heading for the Championship less than two years ago, said: “Going from the difficult moment we were in to now, it’s a great lesson for us not to get ahead of ourselves. “We’ve come a long way in a short period of time, but we want to keep going and we take nothing for granted. Amazing night, but we’ve got to continue to work hard from here. “It goes without saying we hope that gives us that belief that we need to be successful in this competition. “Against Milan in our first game, there was an element of us not quite hitting the levels that we expected of ourselves. “But I think it’s only by doing that you can truly prove to yourself that you can do it consistently, and I think today will go a long way towards proving that. “But as I said, there are so many difficult games to come in this competition. It’s a small step forward, but there’s still a long, long way to go. “The next game in this competition will be hugely important, but that goes to the back of our minds now as we focus back on to the Premier League and West Ham.” The Magpies got off to a dream start when Bruno Guimaraes picked off Marquinhos’ illjudged ball out of defence and although Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Alexander Isak’s initial shot, Miguel Almiron followed up to score. Dan Burn made it 2-0 with a towering header six minutes before the break, after a lengthy VAR check, and Sean Longstaff put the Magpies in dreamland five minutes after the restart. Lucas Hernandez’s 56th-minute header sparked something of a fightback, but ultimately it amounted to little and Fabian Schar smashed home a fourth in stoppage time to cement a remarkable win. Howe was particularly pleased for Geordies Burn and Longstaff, lifelong supporters of the club they now represent with such distinction. He said: “I really do respect the Geordies who have had life-long associations with the club and understand what it means to play for Newcastle and have a unique experience, really, so for Sean to score and play how he did and for Dan, they’re amazing moments in their careers.” Longstaff, who is a product of the club’s academy system, told TNT Sports: “I am lost for words really. I am so proud to be from Newcastle and I am over the moon.” A crowd of 52,009 witnessed a remarkable night on Tyneside, although the visiting fans, some of whom briefly caused troubled as they were escorted to the stadium by police, left less than impressed by what superstar Kylian Mbappe and his teammates produced on the pitch. Asked if he took responsibility for the performance, PSG boss Luis Enrique said: “Yes absolutely, there’s no doubt about that, I’m the first person to be responsible for what happened this evening. Of course I’m responsible for it. “I think the outcome of the game was fair, although the scoreline was perhaps a little bit too much in their favour, not really a fair reflection. “But of course we made such careless mistakes which led to their goals and when you play at this level, you can’t afford to do that.” – The Independent █ DAMIAN SPELLMAN Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff (3rd left) and Jamaal Lascelles (2nd right) vie for the ball with PSG players during the Champions League Group F match yesterday. – AFPPIX