Samuel Chukwueze made his first start for seven-time European champions AC Milan as they were held to a goalless draw by a defensively solid Newcastle United on matchday one of the UEFA Champions League played at the San Siro Stadium on Tuesday evening, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The Super Eagles forward was deployed as a right winger by Stefano Pioli in his 4-3-3 set-up.
The Rossoneri were the slight favourites to win because of their Champions League experience, and they lived up to the billing.
Chukwueze had a great opportunity early on after he cut in from the wings. However, his strike was saved by Nick Pope. He had another opportunity to score in the 38th minute after a ball was swung into his box. But his header was just wide off the mark.
The Magpies had held their own throughout all of that, but lived dangerously after the half-hour mark, as Olivier Giroud could only find the side netting after Hernandez had broken behind. Rafael Leão then made a complete mess of his attempted backheel after dancing through the box.
Jacob Murphy also cleared Pobega’s shot off the line before curling an effort of his own off-target at the other end.
Both teams struggled to show the quality required to edge ahead after the break.
Chukwueze was replaced by former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic in the 61st minute as the seven-time European champions searched for a breakthrough in the encounter which they eventually couldn’t get.
The 24-year-old finished the game with 36 touches made, 70% pass accuracy, 1 key pass, 1 big chance missed and 1 successful dribble completed.
He has now made 10 career appearances in the UEFA Champions League and featured in 5 games across all competitions since the start of the campaign for AC Milan.
Stefano Pioli’s side will travel away to Borussia Dortmund for their next game on Wednesday, October 4.
Newcastle United will entertain Paris Saint-Germain at the Saint James’ Park same day
