The setting is the iconic Parc des Princes, where a thrilling clash awaits as Newcastle takes on the reigning European champions. While the prospect may seem glamorous for the Magpies, it could also lead to a second bout of heartache in the French capital.
Currently positioned eighth in the Premier League, Newcastle finds itself ranked higher in the Champions League. They might wish the league phase could stop at seven games, confident in wanting the standings to remain as they are.
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This serves as a testament to their progress. A third consecutive Champions League victory at St James’ Park was secured by Yoane Wissa, who had an extraordinary night in Newcastle colors. The performance further showcased Anthony Gordon‘s prowess on the European stage, despite his struggles domestically, while Harvey Barnes continued to impress in both arenas. Newcastle managed to dispatch PSV Eindhoven, who had previously overwhelmed Napoli and Liverpool, with relative ease. Starting the evening in 13th, they finished it in seventh.
PSV were left dejected after being blown away by Newcastle (Reuters)
Newcastle is currently trailing only Paris Saint-Germain in the group based on goal difference. Manager Eddie Howe noted, “We find ourselves in very good company.” However, the tightly packed standings mean that a victory in France will likely be essential for a direct spot in the last 16.
“We have one of the most challenging final games, and we understand that fully,” Howe expressed. This match brings back memories of a previous meeting where a controversial injury-time penalty denied them a win in 2023. “A painful end,” reflected Howe. The ghosts of that encounter are sure to resurface.
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Next week may be a cause for concern for the Dutch champions. PSV had not suffered a loss on the road since March, following a defeat to Go Ahead Eagles, yet this latest result puts them in jeopardy of sliding out of the top 24. They fell victim to Newcastle’s relentless pressing, appearing somewhat naive as they were systematically dismantled.
Newcastle, powered by their dynamic attackers, soared forward. Gordon, who continues to present contrasting performances—struggling in the Premier League with only two penalty goals—displayed unstoppable form in Europe, notching his sixth goal in the Champions League, placing him third behind only Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane. Not far behind, Barnes boasts five goals across all competitions this season at St James’ Park, establishing himself as a top finisher for the club.
Yoane Wissa got the ball rolling for the Magpies (PA)
Eddie Howe could celebrate another memorable European night (PA)
The initial spark came from Wissa, who was chosen over Nick Woltemade to showcase his value. After an injury-hit start to his Newcastle career, he made a memorable impact in this Champions League match. His finish, not the cleanest, encapsulated his whirlwind arrival. “It hasn’t been an easy start for him here,” Howe reflected, “Part of his reason for joining this club was to experience nights like this.”
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Wissa, who had a brief appearance in December, enjoyed his first real taste of the Champions League at 29, scoring within eight minutes and completing a remarkable journey from the French second division. “His journey has been incredible,” added Howe. “Watching his career at Brentford was a pleasure, given his attitude and goal-scoring abilities.”
However, Wissa wasn’t the only forward with Newcastle ties who sought a move last summer. Despite the controversial nature of their actions, Wissa has now matched Alexander Isak’s career tally for Champions League goals, and for good measure, the £55 million Isak even provided an assist in the first half.
While Newcastle capitalized on a mistake from PSV’s goalkeeper, Nick Pope’s own kicking woes earlier in the match were soon overshadowed. The Magpies struck after Matej Kovar mishandled a pass; Bruno Guimaraes made the better choice, finding Joelinton, who then selflessly set up Wissa. His scuffed finish found its way in, counting given his offside position when he closed down Kovar due to the second phase of play. The goal was valid.
Wissa is making the most of his return from injury (Reuters)
Harvey Barnes slotted home Newcastle’s third goal (Getty)
The Magpies added a second goal following another lapse in PSV’s defense. Wissa capitalized on Yasik Gasiorowski’s hesitance on the ball, creating an opportunity for Gordon to tap in. This only added to PSV’s frustrations, as they conceded in a manner reminiscent of their earlier defeat by Atletico Madrid.
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Interestingly, a Newcastle team that had previously waited 85 minutes for a shot on target against Wolves now found the net twice within half an hour. Soon after, Barnes dashed through to score a magnificent individual goal. The only blemish on Newcastle’s evening came with Guimaraes’ injury; Howe noted his ankle was swollen, stating, “It’s concerning for Bruno to come off. Let’s hope for the best.”
This was their lone concern, as PSV offered scant challenge, with Newcastle only having conceded a single goal, from Marcus Rashford, in Europe this season at home. Though known for their entertaining football, PSV’s display on this occasion was uninspiring, much like the dreary weather on Tyneside.
As Newcastle defeated PSV, they now turn their focus to PSG. While the upcoming match may serve as a chance for revenge, the implications reach far beyond that.