UCL: Chukwueze makes full debut as AC Milan held by defensively solid Newcastle United

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.

The Super Eagles forward was deployed as a right winger by Stefano Pioli in his 4-3-3 set-up.

Chukwueze was responsible for AC Milan's second shot on target of the encounter when his header from Rafael Leao's cross was saved by Nick Pope, the Newcastle goalkeeper.

He also got another chance in the 38th minute having found himself in a promising position to head the ball into the net but fluffed the opportunity.

He 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.

It has been a poor week for Pioli's men who lost scandalously to Inter Milan last weekend and have now failed to win their first Champions League game of the season against an inexperienced Newcastle side.

They will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Hellas Verona on matchday 5 of the Serie A on Saturday.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: uefa.com

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