Newcastle moved into the top eight of the Champions League with a crucial 3-0 win against PSV Eindhoven, teeing up a blockbuster clash against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to decide their fate in their final game.
The Magpies will travel to the Parc des Princes on January 28, while sitting level on points with the reigning champions of Europe in seventh and sixth respectively, as they look to avoid the play-offs and secure their place in the last 16.
Victory confirmed their place in the play-offs at the very least but Eddie Howe, after already tasting victory against PSG in 2023, will be hoping for more.
A second triumph against the Ligue 1 giants would secure their spot in the next round, although a draw could be enough given their superior goal difference over those around them.
Newcastle were outside the top eight heading into the fixture but quickly moved up the table with a comfortable lead after two major errors from the Eredivisie league leaders within the first half hour.
Goalkeeper Matej Kovar cleared the ball directly to Bruno Guimaraes before compatriot Joelinton selflessly squared the ball to Yoanne Wissa, allowing him to score just eight minutes into his first start in the Champions League.
Wissa celebrates after opening the scoring
Yarek Gasiorowski was the next culprit when his underhit backpass was pounced upon by Wissa in a replication of the first goal. Anthony Gordon reaped the rewards on this occasion, tapping into an empty net to score his sixth of the competition.
Harvey Barnes rounded the evening off with a well-taken strike into the bottom corner after the break but the mood will be dampened by an injury to captain Guimaraes, who was forced off in the first half after landing awkwardly on his ankle.
Sunday 25th January 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
Lewis Miley replaced him in the 48th minute and the 19-year-old homegrown talent would go on to wear the armband in the latter stages of the game, adding to the mood in what was a special night at St James’ Park.
Attention will undoubtedly switch to the blockbuster clash against PSG at the end of the month but in the immediate future, Howe will need to navigate a tough test against Aston Villa, live on Sky Sportsthis Sunday. Possibly without their leader.
More to follow.
