Newcastle United don boost their chance to enter Champions League round of 16 after dem beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 for St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Early for di match, La Liga visitors show better form, but Newcastle get one offside goal before Dan Burn open scoring with one amazing curled header from Kieran Trippier free kick.
Bilbao still dey press Newcastle, dem force turnovers and make some fine moves, hitting post two times quick quick inside first 20 minutes: Unai Gomez strike near post, then long-range shot from left-back Adama Boiro.
Newcastle begin settle and get big chance when Nick Woltemade miss clear header around 30th minute. Second goal come just after second half start, when Harvey Barnes assist Joelinton to head in net.
Bilbao still get moments, like Nico Serrano shot from 25 yards wey Nick Pope save. But later, Newcastle control game reach finish, collect all three points.
TPB Verdict
Newcastle form for Premier League no too sweet for 2025-26, but recent overall results better: dem don win 4 of last 5 matches for all competitions. For Champions League, Wednesday win na third on the bounce, dem now dey 6th with 9 points.
Summer signing Woltemade don score 6 goals in 13 games, but him quiet in front of goal apart from big miss first half. Howe talk say striker tire small against West Ham, fit reason why e no too active.
Bilbao miss key players like Nico Williams, Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta (3 goals in last 3 games). That affect dem finishing quality.
Match Highlights
- 11th min: Dan Burn goal – Trippier free kick whip to Burn, he leave marker behind, curl header past goalkeeper Unai Simon into side netting.
- 18th min: Unai Gomez hit post – run shoulder of last defender, drive into box, hit near post.
- 19th min: Adama Boiro hit post – corner result, powerful half-volley outside box, strikes woodwork.
- 29th min: Nick Woltemade big chance missed – Barnes cross, him scuff header wide.
- 49th min: Joelinton goal – Jacob Murphy pass to Barnes, him cross left-foot to Joelinton, double lead.
Man of the Match – Malick Thiaw
Thiaw help Newcastle keep clean sheet, win 8 of 10 aerial duels and 100% ground battles. Magpies dey 6th for Champions League, and their home resilience go key for progression.
Match Stats
- Possession: Newcastle 58% – 42% Bilbao
- Shots: Newcastle 8 – 12 Bilbao
- Shots on Target: Newcastle 4 – 5 Bilbao
- Corners: Newcastle 2 – 5 Bilbao
- Fouls: Newcastle 11 – 13 Bilbao
Next Fixtures
Newcastle go Brentford for Gtech Community Stadium, Premier League, Sunday. Bilbao go host Real Oviedo for Estadio San Mames, La Liga, same day.
