Newcastle sink Bilbao to extend Champions League winning streak
Dan Burn and Joelinton were the heroes at St James’ Park as Newcastle United claimed a crucial 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, their third consecutive win in the Champions League and fifth straight at home in all competitions.
The Magpies arrived under pressure after Sunday’s disappointing 3–1 Premier League loss to West Ham, which left them slumped in 13th. But on a crisp European night, Eddie Howe’s men rediscovered their edge — and gave their fans a reason to believe again.
Burn’s bullet header breaks the deadlock
Newcastle started with intent, and it took just 11 minutes for the breakthrough. Kieran Trippier’s pinpoint free-kick found Dan Burn unmarked inside the box. The towering defender met it with a fierce header that curled beautifully into the far corner — a goal even Alan Shearer, watching from the stands, would’ve applauded.
Bilbao, depleted by injuries and missing key attackers Inaki and Nico Williams, tried to respond but lacked the finishing touch. Unai Gomez came closest, hitting the post after breaking free of Newcastle’s backline, before Adama Boiroratt led the woodwork with a powerful strike.
Joelinton seals it
Despite losing Anthony Gordon to a hip injury late in the first half, Newcastle continued to press. Their persistence paid off early in the second period when Harvey Barnes danced down the left and floated in a perfect cross for Joelinton, who rose to head home and double the lead. It was the Brazilian’s first goal in nine matches — and it sent the crowd into raptures.
From there, Newcastle controlled the game, with goalkeeper Nick Pope making a fine stop to deny Nico Serrano’s long-range effort and preserve the clean sheet.
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The result keeps Newcastle in a strong position in the Champions League’s league phase — three wins from four games, their only defeat coming in the opener against Barcelona. With upcoming fixtures against Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen, Howe’s side are firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish that would seal automatic qualification for the last 16.
Howe will hope this European momentum sparks a turnaround in domestic form as Newcastle travel to Brentford on Sunday looking to climb the Premier League table.
SportsLigue