Newcastle moved into the top eight of the Champions League with a decisive 3-0 win against PSV Eindhoven, starting a close battle with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to decide their fate in the final game.
The Magpies travel to the Parc des Princes on January 28th, aiming to avoid the play-offs and secure a place in the last 16, level on points with the reigning European champions, who are seventh and sixth respectively.
With this win, they at least confirmed their place in the play-offs, but Eddie Howe will be hoping for more having already tasted victory against PSG in 2023.
A second win against the Ligue 1 giants would secure them a spot in the next round, but considering their goal difference is better than their neighbors, a draw might be enough.
Newcastle entered the game outside of the top eight but quickly moved up the table with a comfortable win after the Eredivisie leaders made two big mistakes within the first 30 minutes.
Goalkeeper Matej Kovar cleared the ball directly to Bruno Guimarães, and his compatriot Joelinton selflessly connected the ball to Yoan Ouissa, conceding the goal just eight minutes into his first Champions League start.
Wissa celebrates after scoring the first goal
Jarek Gasiorowski was the next culprit in a repeat of the first goal when his under-hit backpass was deflected by Wissa. Anthony Gordon took advantage of the opportunity, firing into an empty net to score his sixth goal of the tournament.
Harvey Barnes ended the night with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner after the break, but the atmosphere will be darkened by an injury to captain Guimarães, who was sent off in the first half after landing awkwardly on his ankle.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães sent off injured during 3-0 win against PSV
Lewis Miley came on as a substitute in the 48th minute and the 19-year-old raw talent donned the armband for the final stages of the game, adding to the atmosphere on a special night at St James’ Park.
All eyes will no doubt turn to the blockbuster game against PSG at the end of the month, but in the near future Howe will have to survive a tough test against Aston Villa, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Sunday. Probably without a leader.
Howe: Games like this are why I joined Wissa
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told TNT Sport:
“Our performance was really good. Tactically they are a difficult opponent. They are difficult to play against.
“There were some really good goals today. A really good night for Yoan Huissa. I’m really happy for him. In part, he came to this club for nights like today.”
“The players accepted the challenge and I thought this was the best individual performance for many players in a while.
“Many players have excelled in this competition this year and Anthony Gordon is one of them.”
On facing PSG in the final game: “That’s what we have to do, one step at a time, starting with Aston Villa. The Premier League is very important and it’s a really tough game.”
Sunday, January 25th 1:00 p.m.
Kickoff at 2pm
Wissa makes ‘special’ first start in the Champions League
Newcastle forward Yoan Wissa told TNT Sport.
“It was a good night and I know my goal today is to win. It’s a special night for me. I’m really happy with the goal and the assist.”
“It was good. They were a tricky opponent and played good football. We put high pressure and scored from two mistakes.
“They like to play and the important thing was to press them high and we did that well. I’m really happy with the hard work today.”
“They are the best team in Europe,” he said of the fateful final league match against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“Right now we are focused on Sunday (against Villa). We need a lot of belief and we need to be mentally strong.
“It’s not going to be easy. We definitely have to believe we can beat them.”
Horrible developments looming for Newcastle – they need Guimarães
Patrick Lowe of Sky Sports:
It was a special night at St James’ Park, fueled by excitement as Newcastle secured an important victory that boosts their chances of securing automatic Champions League qualification.
But Bruno Guimarães’ injury will leave a bitter taste in Eddie Howe’s mouth – and it was felt in his press conference.
After confirming the captain’s ankle problem and revealing that swelling had already appeared, Howe admitted it was a “worry” for the club.
It may be underestimated. Newcastle’s next four games will consist of Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester City. The first game is the only one to be played at home and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports this Sunday.
Guimarães has been a regular part of the squad throughout this season and it is worrying to think that they will be going into that game without their captain and star player.
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Howe added. “We will do everything in our power to get him back to health as quickly as possible.”
Luis Miley continued to wear the armband in his place that night, but asking him to fill the void Guimarães is expected to miss is an impossible task.
