04 October 2023 , 20:00
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Alexander Isak suffered a nasty injury during Newcastle's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, leaving him with a bloody head.
The Swedish striker, who'd been involved in the goal which gave Newcastle an early lead, was clocked after going into a challenge with PSG left-back Lucas Hernandez and required urgent treatment from the Magpies' medical team. Isak, 24, was able to continue wearing a bandage on his head and emulated the iconic look from club legend Alan Shearer from during a match against Aston Villa in 2003 following a clash with a young Gareth Barry.
One fan proclaimed on Twitter : "Isak bringing the Shearer vibes." A second commented: "Isak got the prime Shearer look. It’s officially over for PSG."
Newcastle were 2-0 up shortly after Isak returned to the pitch. Defender Dan Burn headed in to double his hometown club's advantage, as Champions League football returned to St James' Park after 20 years. Isak was instrumental in Eddie Howe's men taking the lead after 17 minutes, as he took the shot which rebounded to give Miguel Almiron a golden opportunity to score.
PSG captain Marquinhos pondered in possession in his own penalty area before dinking the ball into midfield. Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes intercepted it and fired it into Isak's path, allowing the Swede to turn and fire a shot straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.
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The Italian could only parry the ball to his left, though, and Almiron was there to pounce. The Paraguayan produced a marvellous finish which ripped the roof off St James' Park. Burn made it 2-0 just before half-time, finishing off a goalmouth scramble to head home.
Have your say! How far will Newcastle go in the Champions League? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Alan Shearer also suffered a nasty head injury when facing Aston Villa in 2003 (Press Association)There was a lengthy VAR check before the goal was eventually rewarded, with ex-Magpies winger Chris Waddle telling BBC Radio 5 Live : "I think they were looking at a handball in the first one. He is not offside but Dan Burn's header is so powerful. Donnarumma has made two or three good saves here but he couldn't keep that out."
Unsurprisingly, the volume was up to 11 at St James' Park, as the Toon Army revelled in leading the French champions at the break. Kylian Mbappe and co had shown promising signs in attack, but their defence and midfield was being put under constant pressure by a rampant Newcastle side.