Newcastle's UCL hopes were given a huge lifeline after Milan's 2-1 win over PSG

AC Milan’s surprise 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain was both the best and worst news for Newcastle United in the Champions League's Group of Death.

It improved their chances of making the last 16, but also increased the likelihood of them missing out on the Europa League by finishing bottom of the group.

Eddie Howe said after Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat in Dortmund on Tuesday that his side would have to win both remaining matches at PSG and at home to Milan to make it out of the group, but that is no longer the case.

Here, Mail Sport takes a look at the NINE possible permutations for Newcastle…

BEAT PSG & MILAN

They would be guaranteed to qualify for the last 16, finishing on 10 points. Dortmund would need to beat only one of Milan and PSG in their remaining two games to finish top. If Dortmund picked up only a point or less, then Newcastle would advance as group winners.

It should be remembered, Newcastle cannot finish above Dortmund if they are the only two teams tied on points because of Borussia’s superior head-to-head record.

BEAT PSG & DRAW WITH MILAN

This is where it starts to get a little complicated. Newcastle would finish on eight points, and usually that is not enough to progress. However, should Dortmund avoid defeat in both games against Milan and PSG, then Newcastle would take second spot in this scenario.

But were Dortmund to lose both then Newcastle would finish third, as they would if Dortmund were to draw or win in Milan and then lose to PSG.

If you flip that, and Dortmund lose in Milan but then drew with or beat PSG, Newcastle would still finish third.

DRAW WITH PSG & BEAT MILAN

Like the above scenario, this would leave Newcastle on eight points. Milan could not finish above them. Dortmund would need only a