Newcastle United claimed their third consecutive Champions League win with a commanding 2–0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park on Wednesday, inspired by a thunderous first-half header from Dan Burn.
Burn spectacularly opened the scoring, rising to meet Kieran Trippier’s free-kick and directing a powerful header into the far corner. Joelinton sealed the result shortly after halftime, heading home Harvey Barnes’ well-placed cross to secure Newcastle’s fifth straight home victory across all competitions.
The win provided welcome relief for Eddie Howe’s side after their disappointing 3–1 defeat to West Ham last weekend, which had left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. Despite their domestic struggles, the Magpies have now registered three wins in four European outings this season, with their only loss coming against Barcelona in the opening group fixture.
Currently sixth in their league phase standings, Newcastle remain firmly in contention for a top-eight finish, which guarantees automatic qualification for the round of 16. They will next face Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen in back-to-back away fixtures.
Howe will hope this European momentum sparks a revival in the Premier League, beginning with Sunday’s trip to Brentford.
In contrast, Athletic Bilbao, hampered by injuries and the absence of brothers Iñaki and Nico Williams, offered little threat and remain mid-table in La Liga following last weekend’s defeat to Real Sociedad.
Bilbao’s Unai Gomez squandered an early opportunity, heading straight at Nick Pope, before Newcastle took control. Burn’s goal lifted the home crowd, with even club legend Alan Shearer smiling approvingly from the stands.
The visitors nearly equalised when Gomez struck the post and Adama Boiro rattled the crossbar, but Newcastle held firm. Despite losing Anthony Gordon to a hip injury late in the first half, Howe’s men remained composed and extended their lead through Joelinton’s emphatic finish in the 49th minute.
Nico Serrano later tested Pope with a long-range effort, but the goalkeeper ensured Newcastle kept a clean sheet and capped off a confident European display.
