Newcastle United supporters were hoping for a breakthrough on their Champions League away journey, but their optimism was quickly dashed at the Stade Vélodrome on Tuesday night. The Magpies fell 2-1 to Marseille, undoing a bright start thanks to a rapid double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who once again proved a thorn in Newcastle’s side.

After years of trouble from Aubameyang during his Arsenal days (2018–2022), Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe had warned that the 36-year-old striker “looked as good as ever.” The warning proved accurate as Aubameyang turned the game on its head, leaving the visitors to rue defensive lapses in what defender Dan Burn described as “10 minutes of madness.”

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Newcastle Take Early Lead but Fail to Capitalize

Newcastle began the match confidently, handling the electric atmosphere at the Stade Vélodrome with poise. The pre-match build-up was intense, with flares, ticker tape, and a huge tifo accompanied by the banner: “For my town, for my club.” Despite the deafening noise, Newcastle made an aggressive start and were rewarded in the sixth minute when Harvey Barnes, fresh off a match-winning performance against Manchester City, fired the Magpies into the lead.

However, Newcastle failed to consolidate their advantage. Marseille’s attacking threats, particularly from Aubameyang, proved too much for a side still struggling with road form in the Champions League and Premier League.

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Defensive Errors Cost Newcastle Dearly

The turning point came shortly after halftime. A sloppy kick-off from defender Fabian Schär allowed Marseille to regain possession in dangerous territory. Timothy Weah exploited space on the right before setting up a precise through-ball to 17-year-old Darryl Bakola, leading to Marseille’s equaliser. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed off his line, only to be caught out as Aubameyang latched onto the ball and slotted home from a tight angle.

Just four minutes later, Weah again beat Tino Livramento on the right flank and delivered a perfect pass for Aubameyang to finish neatly at the near post, completing his quickfire double and sealing the comeback. Howe defended Pope’s decision after the match, emphasizing the keeper’s recent heroics, but the Magpies’ defensive frailties were laid bare once more.

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Continued Struggles on the Road

Newcastle’s difficulties away from St James’ Park were highlighted once again. While the team has enjoyed six consecutive home victories across all competitions, their record on the road tells a different story. Since mid-April, Newcastle have only won one away game, a 4-0 triumph at Union Saint-Gilloise on 1 October in the Champions League.

Burn reflected on the costly period, stating to TNT Sports:
“Ten, 15 minutes of madness at the start of the second half has cost us. It’s definitely disappointing to come to a team like this, a stadium like this, an atmosphere like this, and put all that in and not come away with anything.”

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Looking Ahead: Premier League and European Tests

The defeat leaves Newcastle in eighth place in their Champions League group and 14th in the Premier League, highlighting the need for a swift response. The team faces another significant challenge on the road at Everton this Saturday, a match crucial to reversing their inconsistent away form.

Howe remains positive despite the setback, noting:
“This is a tough one to take. But the lads are robust, they’re experienced, and we’re ready to fight back.”

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Key Takeaways from Newcastle’s Loss

• Newcastle took an early lead through Harvey Barnes but could not maintain control.
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s quickfire double proved decisive, highlighting Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities.
• Away form remains Newcastle’s Achilles heel, with just one away win in seven months.
• Upcoming fixtures, including the Premier League clash at Everton, will test the team’s resilience.