Newcastle draw with Milan was ‘worst game in Champions League history’ says ex-Barca star

Arturo Vidal has slammed Newcastle United for their performance against AC Milan on Tuesday night.

He also believes that the clash at the San Siro was the ‘worst’ in the history of the Champions League.

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Newcastle returned to the pinnacle of European football for the first time in 20 years after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

Eddie Howe’s side made the trip to Italy to face seven-time champions of Europe Milan in their opening Group F fixture.

Both sides could only settle for a 0-0 draw, with the hosts having the majority of the opportunities but failing to make the most of them.

It was by no means an exhilarating affair and one that former Champions League finalist Vidal is in no rush to re-watch.

And he was particularly scathing about the performance of the ‘idiot’ AC Milan players, having previously played for their arch rivals Inter, saying the game made him ‘mad as hell’.

Speaking on RedGolTV on Twitch, Videl – also formerly of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus – said: “I saw the worst match in the history of the Champions League, the one between Milan and Newcastle.

“But those idiots from Milan against Newcastle left me disappointed. They are lucky because they only know how to run, otherwise they wouldn’t be there. 

“I don’t understand Newcastle, they finish fourth in the league, but it doesn’t matter, it’s disgusting. 

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“They have to risk their lives, if it’s their first match, show something more, they made me mad as hell.”

Vidal, now at Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, has had his fair share of Champions League nights with 83 appearances in the competition.

Three of his former clubs were also in action during the week and all claimed victory in their respective groups.

Barcelona claimed a 5-0 win over Royal Antwerp, Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 and Inter drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad.

Newcastle will return to Champions League action at the beginning of October when they host Paris Saint-Germain.

The two sides are competing in this season’s ‘Group of Death’ with Milan and Borussia Dortmund also providing tough competition.

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