Aubameyang Double Sparks Marseille Comeback Victory Over Newcastle
Puntos Clave
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice in four minutes early in the second half to erase Harvey Barnes' sixth-minute opener and complete the comeback
- Marseille controlled 57 percent of possession and earned 11 corners despite already being eliminated from advancing in the competition
- Newcastle's defeat jeopardizes their position in the top eight, potentially pushing them from automatic Round of 16 qualification into the playoff spots with three matchdays remaining
Marseille, France — Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered a second-half masterclass as Marseille came from behind to defeat Newcastle United 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday at the Orange Vélodrome. The Gabonese striker netted twice after the break, turning the match on its head after Harvey Barnes had given the visitors an early advantage.
Newcastle struck first in just the sixth minute when Barnes fired home from the center of the box. The English winger's left-footed shot found the center of the goal, silencing the passionate home crowd and giving Eddie Howe's men the perfect start to their fifth Champions League fixture of the campaign.
Marseille responded immediately after halftime when Aubameyang equalized in the 46th minute. The veteran forward capitalized on a fast break, receiving a pass from Darryl Bakola before unleashing a right-footed effort from a difficult angle on the right that nestled in the bottom right corner. The strike energized both the crowd and the home side, who had been struggling to find their rhythm in the opening period.
The comeback was complete just four minutes later when Aubameyang doubled his tally in the 50th minute. Timothy Weah delivered an inviting cross from the right, and Aubameyang met it with precision, directing his right-footed shot from close range into the top right corner past Nick Pope. The Orange Vélodrome erupted as the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker celebrated his second goal of the evening, showcasing his enduring quality on the European stage.
The match was marked by physical play, with referee Maurizio Mariani issuing eight yellow cards throughout the contest. Leonardo Balerdi was cautioned just three minutes into the match for Marseille, while Joe Willock, Anthony Gordon, and Dan Burn were among those booked for Newcastle. Despite being already eliminated from advancing in the competition, Marseille displayed remarkable determination, controlling 57% of possession and recording 11 corner kicks to Newcastle's five.
The result, while impressive for Marseille, doesn't change their tournament fate as they remain in 26th position and eliminated from European competition. For Newcastle, the defeat is a significant blow to their hopes of securing a direct spot in the Round of 16, as they now risk sliding from their current sixth position into the playoff spots. The Magpies will need positive results in their remaining three league phase matches to maintain their position among the competition's elite eight teams who advance directly to the knockout stages.