Paris Saint-Germain star makes St James’ Park atmosphere claim after Newcastle United defeat

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte believes the roaring St James’ Park atmosphere on Wednesday night swung the game in Newcastle United’s favour.

The Magpies’ proud home was a cauldron of noise as it hosted Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.

And Ugarte believes that impacted the result as the hosts surged to a surprise 4-1 victory to top Group F after two matches having picked up a point against AC Milan last time out.

Miguel Almiron opened the scoring in the 17th-minute lead before Dan Burn added a second near the brink of half-time. Sean Longstaff then netted a third after the break but PSG swiftly pulled a goal back via Lucas Hernandez.

The French side stayed in possession from then on but Newcastle’s defence held strong as Fabian Schar put gloss on a memorable evening with an incredible strike from 25 yards.

Speaking after the game, Ugarte referenced the home crowd: “We expected to have a better match but the difference (between the two sides) was very big in the game. Newcastle played very well and did good pressing. They were very well organised. They had great determination.

“The atmosphere had an influence on the match. Newcastle are strong at home. It was not our best match. We could have done more. The score remains harsh. We could have been more aggressive, we could have shown a better state of mind, but the atmosphere will have been favourable to them.”

“I think they were a little more aggressive because they were back at home in the Champions League and that’s not usual for them,” Ugarte added.

“It’s not a criticism. The truth is that the atmosphere helped them. I think we could have done more in terms of attitude and on an individual level, but these are matches that happen sometimes.”

Ugarte joined PSG from Sporting Lisbon in the summer in a transfer worth £52million. The Uruguayan had reportedly been scouted by Newcastle but their midfield signing arrived in the form of Sandro Tonali.