Newcastle United win Sela Cup with shootout victory against AC Milan

Newcastle United have won the inaugural Women’s Sela Cup after recording a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over AC Milan at St. James’ Park this afternoon.

The two sides played out a fascinating 2-2 draw in normal time before Newcastle United secured with silverware with a 4-3 victory from the penalty spot.

The hosts opened the scoring through a stunning Elysia Boddy effort but goals from Nikola Karczewska and Valentina Cernoia turned the game in AC Milan’s favour. The Italian side looked set to win the contest in 90 minutes but Amy Andrews’ late goal levelled the scores at 2-2 to force the tie into a penalty shootout.

AC Milan took the game to the hosts early on, however, it was Becky Langley’s Magpies who struck first on Tyneside. Boddy took aim from 18 yards and she superbly curled the ball over visiting keeper Laura Giuliani and into the back of the net.

Newcastle United defended well in the early stages of the game, however, they were caught out in the 20th minute when AC Milan levelled matters. A long ball found Gloria Marinelli in acres of space on the right and she delivered for Karczewska to convert from close range.

The Italians then took the lead. They got numbers inside the Newcastle United box and Cernoia was eventually the player to strike the ball home from 12 yards.

Both sides had chances to add to the scoreline before the break. Charlotte Potts made an excellent clearance in her own six-yard box to deny Karczewska a certain goal before Rachel Furness’ header was blocked on the line at the other end.

The second half was more dis-jointed with several substitutions being made by both sides. Both Newcastle United and AC Milan showed eagerness to attack but testing the opposition goalkeeper was proving to be difficult.

The only first real chance of the second period came when Newcastle United captain Demi Stokes was given a sight of goal 20 minutes from time, however, her low effort was easily claimed by AC Milan’s substitute keeper Noemi Fedele.

The visitors looked set to win the tie in 90 minutes, however, Newcastle United forward Andrews found herself through on goal and she beat Fedele to force a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Newcastle United netted all four of their penalties while AC Milan missed two of their five, meaning that The Magpies won the first-ever Women’s Sela Cup.

After this afternoon’s victory, Newcastle United will continue their pre-season programme ahead of their opening Barclays Women’s Championship fixture at London City Lionesses on Sunday 8 September 2024.