Burn and Joelinton Fire Newcastle to Crucial Champions League Win Over Athletic
Newcastle United found exactly what they needed at St. James’ Park — a calm, commanding 2–0 win over Athletic Club that steadied nerves and lifted spirits after a shaky weekend. It was one of those nights when Newcastle’s intensity, height, and home atmosphere all combined to remind everyone of their potential in Europe.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Eddie Howe’s side meant business. After a disappointing defeat to West Ham just days earlier, fans were waiting to see how the team would respond. And respond they did. Just 11 minutes into the game, Dan Burn rose above the crowd to head home a well-worked free-kick from Kieran Trippier. It was a beautifully executed routine — one that summed up Newcastle’s set-piece strength this season. Trippier’s delivery curled perfectly, and somehow Burn was left unmarked to guide the ball inside the far post.
Athletic, though brave, were often outmuscled. Their head coach Ernesto Valverde later admitted it was “a bitter taste” — the kind of match where his team “should have known” what was coming but simply couldn’t stop it. Unai Gómez and Adama Boiro both came close, with one effort striking the woodwork, but their chances felt like brief interruptions to Newcastle’s dominance.
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Then, just minutes after the restart, Joelinton doubled the lead. A floated cross from Harvey Barnes found him completely free inside the six-yard box — another lapse in marking — and he nodded home with ease. At that point, the result felt sealed. Howe made a triple substitution soon after, opting to preserve energy as the game slowed into a controlled finish.
The win marked Newcastle’s third consecutive Champions League victory — all without conceding. That’s a remarkable turnaround considering how inconsistent their domestic form has been. It now puts them within touching distance of qualifying for the knockout rounds, needing just one or two more results to secure their spot.
Eddie Howe praised his team’s “mental response” after Sunday’s loss, saying their psychology was spot on: “It was important we responded mentally. Our attitude and focus tonight were excellent.”
However, not everything went perfectly. Anthony Gordon limped off with a recurrence of his hip injury, an unwelcome concern ahead of a packed schedule. Still, the performance was exactly what Newcastle needed — disciplined, physical, and effective.
This victory also carried a bit of nostalgia. Fans of both clubs share a long, friendly bond dating back to 1994, when Athletic Bilbao supporters famously applauded Newcastle’s traveling fans after a European clash. That respect was visible again at St. James’ Park, where red-and-white scarves mingled with black-and-white stripes — a rare and heartwarming sight in modern football.
In the end, the Magpies looked every bit the European contenders they aspire to be. And as St. James’ Park sang through the final whistle, it felt like a reminder: Newcastle may wobble at times, but when they click, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
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