Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said the significance of taking a point at AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday should not be underestimated after the Premier League side came away with a 0-0 draw at a hostile San Siro.
Newcastle, who are playing in the tournament after a 20-year absence, are in a difficult group which also features Borussia Dortmund and Paris St Germain, and Howe said leaving Milan with a draw could prove key to their chances of advancing.
A point at the San Siro in our opening #UCL group stage fixture. 👊 pic.twitter.com/SpNEQIx2eM
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 19, 2023
"You can't underestimate the difficulties of coming here - the emotion of the game, new experiences, we had to take a lot on board today," Howe said.
"I thought the crowd were very good for Milan. It was a hostile atmosphere, and the players had to adjust to that, and that is why I don't think you can underestimate the performance and point.
"It will look better and better as time goes on."
Newcastle next visit Sheffield United in the league on Sunday.