Newcastle United and AC Milan experienced very different Saturday nights indeed.
Only days before the two storied clubs meet in the Champions League, both teams were in action.
Newcastle, while not at their best, beat Brentford to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, while Milan were thrashed 5-1 by city rivals Inter.
Whether or not those results have any significant bearing on what happens inside San Siro on Tuesday remains to be seen of course but it is hardly ideal preparation for the Serie A giants.
Certainly, it’s fair to say one man was pleased.
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Alan Shearer responds as AC Milan beaten 5-1 days before Newcastle clash
Indeed, Alan Shearer was quick to react.
Quoting Milan’s tweet about the dire result, Shearer looked excited, presumably hoping that hangover carries on until Newcastle’s visit in just a few days’ time.
Newcastle should take confidence from that result
Eddie Howe’s side might not be in their best form either but Milan having conceded so many goals has to be seen as a major positive.
This Newcastle team have goals in them, as was evident during the thrashing of Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
Though not always the most consistent in front of goal, as the game against Liverpool proved, there is more than enough firepower to punish teams lax defensively.
To suggest Newcastle will go and score five goals in their first Champions League game for over twenty years would of course be too much.
Still, Howe’s side have to play the game, not Milan’s celebrated history in the competition. Clearly, they can be got at and there is little reason to fear a chastening evening in Italy on Tuesday.
Shearer is right to be excited.