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Newcastle United stretched their winning run in the Champions League to three matches with a morale-boosting 2-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
Dan Burn opened the scoring with a powerful header before Joelinton sealed the result shortly after the interval, ensuring Eddie Howe’s side made it five home victories in a row across all competitions.
The midweek success arrived just days after Newcastle’s disappointing 3-1 defeat at West Ham, which had left supporters questioning the team’s focus and desire in domestic fixtures.
Yet while their Premier League campaign has faltered, the Magpies have now claimed three wins from their first four European league-phase games, their only setback coming against Barcelona in their opener.
With tricky away ties to Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen ahead, Newcastle sit sixth in the table and in strong contention for a place in the knockout stages.
Howe hopes the confidence gained in Europe can help spark a turnaround in the league, starting with Sunday’s trip to Brentford.
“It was an important reaction to the West Ham game,” the manager said. “Maybe not our finest display, but the result puts us in a good position. We’ve moved on quickly—now the challenge is bringing that form back to the Premier League.”
Burn’s opener drew comparisons from Howe to the defender’s crucial header in last season’s League Cup final, highlighting the set-piece routine that created the chance. Kieran Trippier delivered a precise free kick which found the towering defender unmarked in the box.
Burn guided his header expertly into the far corner, a finish that had club legend Alan Shearer smiling with approval from the stands.
Bilbao responded positively, striking the woodwork twice in quick succession through Unai Gomez and Adama Boiro as Newcastle briefly lost their composure in possession.
Nick Woltemade then went close to extending the lead for the home side, but his header flew narrowly wide. The first half ended on a sour note for Howe as Anthony Gordon was forced off with a recurrence of a hip issue.
Newcastle emerged strongly after the break and soon doubled their advantage.
Harvey Barnes, lively on the left wing, created space before clipping a cross into the six-yard area, where Joelinton rose to head home his first goal in nine appearances.
With belief restored and home form flourishing, Newcastle now turn their attention to ensuring their European momentum translates into improvement back in the Premier League.
