Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain both missed out on the Champions League top eight following a 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes.
On an evening full of twists and turns, PSG took control early through Vitinha's goal after Nick Pope had kept out Ousmane Dembele's penalty, which was given for a controversial handball against Lewis Miley.
However, Newcastle showed so much character and got a deserved equaliser through Joe Willock's first goal in almost a year, which at that stage of the evening saw them rise into the top eight alongside PSG.
It wasn't to stay like that as goals elsewhere saw the two sides drop into the play-off places, both chasing a winner to avoid the play-off.
It produced end-to-end football and Newcastle arguably had the best chance to win the game, substitute Harvey Barnes firing wide from close range with the goal at his mercy.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a point as they now face a two-legged play-off in February - the draw for which is on Friday where PSG and Newcastle, who are both seeded, will be paired with either Qarabag or Monaco.
Newcastle were denied victory in Paris two seasons ago by a controversial late penalty for handball, and inside 60 seconds they were again controversially punished for a handball against Miley inside 60 seconds.
Malick Thiaw's clearance appeared to come off Bradley Barcola's arm before hitting Miley's, prompting VAR official Christian Dingert to send referee Slavko Vincic to the pitchside monitor. The referee belatedly pointed to the spot, but Pope dived to his left to brilliantly keep out Dembele's spot-kick.
PSG's early assault continued, however, and Howe's side fell behind with just eight minutes gone when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked out Vitinha, who fired past Pope and into the bottom corner.
PSG were threatening to be out of sight but Newcastle fought their way back into the game as Willock pounced on Dan Burn's flick on to head firmly past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
After the break, Newcastle went toe-to-toe with PSG as Jacob Ramsey was denied by Safonov at his near post before Willock saw a second goal ruled out for offside after running onto Lewis Hall's quickly-taken free-kick.
Chances were coming at both ends but the big moment of the match fell to Barnes after Anthony Gordon's cross deflected into his path, but he fired into the side netting as Newcastle had to settle for a creditable draw and the play-offs.
Michael Dawson on Soccer Special:
"Newcastle were exceptional after a tough opening 15 minutes.
"They stuck to their task brilliantly and came back into the game so well.
"They were firmly in the game going into the final stages as Eddie Howe made a number of attacking changes.
"Were they going to get a chance? They did.
"Harvey Barnes was four or five yards out. He had to hit the target. That was the big opportunity for Newcastle and Barnes got it all wrong. He will have nightmares over that miss.
"However, it was a big performance for Newcastle. They got a massive reception from the travelling fans and Howe will be so proud of his team.
"They were so close to the top eight, but now for the play-offs."
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe:
"There was a lot going on in that game we had to deal with, not just the opponents, who are an outstanding team, but the decisions that went against us as well, none more so than the handball. Deja vu for us, two years on. I couldn't believe it.
"I know Nick saved the penalty, but it created a feeling that contributed to the early stage of the game, where we were under pressure, and I thought the lads did really well to see that out.
"We grew into the game. We took 25 minutes, half-an-hour to really find our feet, and once we did, I thought we were really good for the rest of the game.
"I thought we showed really good legs and athleticism because we needed to give them a threat the other way and I thought we grew stronger as the game went on, in that respect. Harvey's chance at the end is probably our best chance to win the game.
"It was just really pleasing to see us go end-to-end, fitness-wise, after a really heavy schedule."
