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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Milan's UCL hopes hanging by a thread</li><li>Still eligible for Europa League</li><li>Regardless of other results, in must-win territory</li></ul>

Explained: What USMNT star Christian Pulisic and Milan need to qualify for Champions League last-16

The Rossoneri's record through five matches is 1-1-2. They've picked up two clean sheets while scoring three goals. They haven't been flashy, and they've struggled in front of net, but someway - somehow - they're still alive going into Wednesday's crucial match against The Magpies.They began the group stage with two-straight 0-0 draws against <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-christian-pulisic-yunus-musah-milan-newcastle-champions-league/blta54b25e00e2e26d0" target="_blank">Newcastle</a> and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/christian-pulisic-fails-usmnt-ac-milan-return-germany-champions-league-gio-reyna-borussia-dortmund/blt4677ee9de9ea5e3c" target="_blank">Dortmund</a>, which was followed by a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/christian-pulisic-yunus-musah-usmnt-stars-put-in-decent-shifts-as-anemic-milan-capitulate-against-psg/blt823e22d8341fcb3e" target="_blank">matchday three thumping to PSG, 3-0</a>. However, they gave the Parisian side a taste of their own medicine just two weeks later, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/christian-pulisic-ac-milan-psg-usmnt-champions-league/blta745cb9fd983a0cc" target="_blank">winning 2-1 for their lone group stage victory.</a> Matchday five brought disappointment at the San Siro, where <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-christian-pulisic-gio-reyna-milan-dortmund-champions-league/blt9b8bf380330447a1" target="_blank">Dortmund claimed all three points in a 3-1 victory.</a>Now, it's all-or-nothing on matchday six, as the Rossoneri travel to St James' Park aiming to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

AC Milan's 2023-24 Champions League record

Heading into the contest, only one thing is certain, and it's that Borussia Dortmund have booked their spot in the knockout stages. The other qualification spot is up for grabs, with each team fighting to continue in the competition. Here's where each team stands heading into matchday six.<table><tbody><tr><td>Pos</td><td>Team</td><td>MP</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>D</td><td>GF</td><td>GA</td><td>GD</td><td>Points</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Borussia Dortmund</td><td>5</td><td>3</td><td>1</td><td>1</td><td>6</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>PSG</td><td>5</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>1</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Newcastle</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>5</td><td>5</td><td>0</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>AC Milan</td><td>5</td><td>1</td><td>2</td><td>2</td><td>3</td><td>7</td><td>-4</td><td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

As things stand

Milan and Pulisic can qualify for the round-of-16 knockouts with a win against Newcastle and if Dortmund beat PSG. If the Rossoneri don't get three points, though, it will all have been for nothing. If that lone scenario comes to fruition, Milan will advance as runners-up in the group behind the Bundesliga side.

 How can Christian Pulisic's AC Milan qualify for the Champions League last-16?

Similar to the scenario that would see them through to the next round of the Champions League, Milan are in must-win territory against Newcastle here as well. If PSG avoid defeat against Dortmund, not all hope is lost regarding their European status. With a win against the Magpies and a PSG win or draw vs Dortmund, the Rossoneri would move to third in the table, putting them through to the UEL knockout playoffs.

How can Christian Pulisic's AC Milan qualify for the Europa League knockout stage playoffs?

Explained: What USMNT star Christian Pulisic and Milan need to qualify for Champions League last-16 | Goal.com

Milan need a win, and some help, on the final day of the Champions League group stage.