UCL: Newcastle United Thrash Athletic Club 2-0 in UEFA Champions League

Burn and Joelinton Goals help Newcastle beat Athletic Club

Newcastle United bounced back from a defeat to West Ham with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the UEFA Champions League, with Dan Burn and Joelinton scoring crucial headers.

The win marked a significant statement for Newcastle United, who have now equalled their longest winning streak in the Champions League...

Newcastle United silenced their critics with a resounding 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, marking their third consecutive win in the UEFA Champions League. The Magpies had faced questions about their form following a disappointing defeat to West Ham United, but they responded strongly to prove their mettle.

The hosts made a flying start, with Dan Burn emerging as the unlikely hero. The defender ghosted into the box unmarked and perfectly headed Kieran Trippier's free-kick past Unai Simon, giving Newcastle a deserved lead.

Joelinton doubled the advantage after the break, nodding home Harvey Barnes' cross with ease. The Brazilian's clinical finish put the game beyond Athletic's reach, setting the stage for a comfortable win for Eddie Howe's side.

The win marked a significant statement for Newcastle United, who have now equalled their longest winning streak in the Champions League. With this victory, the Magpies move up to sixth in the standings, putting them in a strong position to challenge for a top 16 spot.

Eddie Howe's team would have been eager to build on their early lead, but their Basque opponents showed no signs of folding. Athletic Bilbao's Unai Gómez and Adama Boiro both rattled the Newcastle woodwork in quick succession, with Boiro's thunderous left-footed strike narrowly sailing wide of the target.

Newcastle, meanwhile, looked vulnerable to set pieces, and Nick Woltemade missed a golden opportunity to double the lead, heading wide from Harvey Barnes' pinpoint cross. The hosts were starting to exert pressure on the Bilbao defense, and it was only a matter of time before they capitalized on their chances.

Newcastle's second goal was predictable, and it came courtesy of a Joelinton header. The Brazilian forward met a floating ball from Barnes and clinically converted from close range, giving the Magpies some breathing room.

Burn & Joelinton with headers for Newcastle ⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/W8fidly6AP

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 5, 2025

The goal seemed to deflate the Leones, who had been threatening in the first half. Newcastle appeared to be cruising towards a fifth consecutive home win across all competitions. However, their confidence was shaken when Nico Serrano unleashed a stunning long-range strike that forced Nick Pope to make a spectacular save with his right hand.

Newcastle United's victory marked a convincing performance, securing a third win in their opening four UEFA Champions League matches and positioning themselves favorably for progression to the knockout stages.

In contrast, Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao struggled in their European campaign, losing three of their four matches. Their away record was particularly concerning, with five defeats in their last six European away games, punctuated by only one draw.

Sandro ole, ole, ole 🇮🇹🌟 https://t.co/2JXun7tvBt pic.twitter.com/3dSzzAZDxM

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 5, 2025

Newcastle's victory over Athletic Bilbao was a testament to their strong start in the Champions League, while Bilbao will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to turn their campaign around.