Marseille Revive Europa League Qualification Hopes | Newcastle Defeat

Aubameyang Double Ends Newcastle’s Champions League Run of success

Newcastle United’s impressive three-game winning streak in the Champions League came to an end Tuesday with a 2-1 defeat against Olympique de Marseille, fueled by a brace from veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The loss, played at the Stade Vélodrome, marks a setback for Eddie Howe’s side as they navigate a challenging group stage.

Newcastle had appeared poised for continued success, having previously secured three consecutive victories without conceding a goal. However, Aubameyang’s clinical finishing proved decisive, handing Marseille their second win of the campaign.

Did you know? – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has now scored 23 Champions league goals, becoming one of only a handful of African players to reach that milestone. He previously played for Arsenal and Barcelona.

Early Lead squandered in France

Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle a dream start, finding the back of the net within five minutes. The goal, his fourth in his last three matches across all competitions, came from close range following a lucky rebound off a Sandro Tonali cross. Just two minutes prior, Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw nearly scored, but his header was cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

Despite the promising start, Marseille gradually gained control of the match, overcoming a shaky beginning marked by inaccurate passing. Aubameyang, despite missing several opportunities in the first half, ultimately proved to be the difference-maker.

Pro tip: – teams frequently enough struggle to maintain momentum after a quick goal.Newcastle’s inability to build on Barnes’ early strike allowed Marseille to regain control of the match.

Aubameyang’s Decisive Second-Half Performance

Aubameyang leveled the score in the 46th minute, skillfully maneuvering past goalkeeper Nick Pope, who had ventured well outside his box, before curling a shot into the net from a tight angle. The assist came from 17-year-old Darryl Bakola, marking his first professional match start.

Four minutes later, Aubameyang struck again, converting a cross from Timothy Weah at the near post to stun the visiting Newcastle side.A potential equalizer from Barnes was afterward ruled offside, further compounding Newcastle’s frustration.

Reader question: – Do you think Newcastle’s early Champions League success was a result of favorable matchups, or are they genuinely a strong contender in the competition? Share your thoughts!

Looking Ahead: Champions league Standings and Future Fixtures

Newcastle currently sits in eighth place in their Champions League group with nine points. They will next travel to face Bayer leverkusen. Marseille, currently in 19th place with six points, will visit Union Saint-gilloise.

The defeat serves as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the Champions League, were momentum can shift quickly. While Newcastle’s early form was impressive, they will need to regroup and demonstrate resilience as they continue their European journey.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Expanded News Report Summary:

Who: Newcastle United lost to Olympique de Marseille.
What: A Champions League group stage match.
Why: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored two goals for Marseille, overturning Newcastle’s early lead.
How: Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes opened the scoring in the 5th minute, but Aubameyang equalized instantly after halftime and scored again four minutes later. A late Barnes goal was disallowed for offside,sealing the 2-1 victory for Marseille. The match was played at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France.