Newcastle find European fire to crush Athletic
Howe’s men bounce back from London gloom with dominant European win
Newcastle found their rhythm again. Just days after their poor showing at the London Stadium, Eddie Howe’s men looked reborn in Europe securing their third straight Champions League victory without conceding a goal.
It was a night that reminded everyone of their potential. Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Athletic ensured at least a playoff round place, and perhaps even a top-eight finish that would send them directly into the last 16.
Set-piece power defines the match
Much like Liverpool’s midweek show, Newcastle again proved how lethal English clubs can be from set pieces.
Only eleven minutes in, Dan Burn ghosted past defenders to meet Kieran Trippier’s free kick with a perfectly timed header inside the far post.
Athletic tried to respond — Unai Gómez forced a sharp save from Nick Pope, and Adama Boiro rattled the post — but Newcastle’s physical advantage told in the end.
Joelinton seals the win
Early in the second half, Joelinton rose unmarked to nod home a Harvey Barnes cross, doubling the lead and confirming Newcastle’s superiority.
Athletic’s marking remained suspect, and even when Burn departed in a triple substitution, the visitors struggled to mount any serious threat.
Nick Pope stood firm again, denying Nico Serrano late on, as the Magpies calmly ran the clock down in the final 30 minutes.
Howe’s high-energy style tested
This was Newcastle’s sixth match in just 18 days, yet they managed to dominate without overexerting themselves. The contrast between their flat domestic display and this commanding European outing captures the duality of Howe’s side — both unstoppable and unpredictable.
The fans won’t mind, though. Newcastle’s European dream stays alive, and with Brentford away next before the international break, Howe can finally give his players a moment to breathe.
