Match result - Newcastle delivered a commanding victory against Athletic Bilbao in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The game between Newcastle and Athletic Bilbao kicked off at a high tempo, with both sides eager to impose their style early on. Newcastle opted for long passes and quick combinations, while Athletic Bilbao tried to control possession in midfield and exploit gaps.
In the 11th minute, Newcastle took the lead with a clever free kick by Kieran Trippier. The English defender floated the ball into the penalty area where Dan Burn rose powerfully to head it into the right corner, leaving goalkeeper Unai Simon helpless. This goal gave the hosts an early advantage and a significant psychological boost.
Dan Burn’s header opens the scoring for Newcastle
Throughout most of the first half, Newcastle kept pressing Bilbao’s goal with individual dribbles and precise crosses from Trippier and Harvey Barnes. Bilbao responded with long-range attempts from Unai Gomez and Alex Berenguer, but goalkeeper Nick Pope remained alert and made excellent saves to keep the danger at bay.
In the second half, Eddie Howe’s side continued their pressure and doubled their lead in the 49th minute. Joelinton rose to meet a perfect cross from Harvey Barnes with a close-range header into the left corner, leaving Unai Simon powerless.
Joelinton seals Newcastle’s victory over Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao tried to fight back with dangerous shots from Dani Vivian and Asier Hierro, but all were superbly blocked by Nick Pope. In the final minutes, the Basque team maintained an attacking stance but failed to score, accepting a 0-2 defeat at St James’ Park.