Newcastle United's European ambitions suffered a significant blow in Marseille as a costly error from goalkeeper Nick Pope allowed veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to steal a dramatic 2-1 Champions League victory.
Barnes' Early Strike Overshadowed by Second-Half Collapse
The Magpies had made a dream start at the Stade Vélodrome, taking the lead after just six minutes through the in-form Harvey Barnes. The winger, fresh from his match-winning double against Manchester City, confidently slotted home after Anthony Gordon helped on a Sandro Tonali cross. It was Barnes' third goal in four days, cementing his rich vein of form.
Eddie Howe's tactical setup, featuring a back five with wing-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento, initially proved effective. The visitors were organised and looked dangerous on the counter, with Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock both threatening. For much of the first half, Newcastle's disciplined 5-4-1 formation successfully frustrated the home side's attempts to dominate possession.
Pope's Mistake Triggers Marseille Revival
The match turned on its head within seconds of the restart. A disastrous misjudgment from Nick Pope proved decisive. The England goalkeeper raced from his line in an attempt to intercept a through-ball from 17-year-old Darryl Bakola, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got there first, rounded the stranded keeper, and finished superbly from a tight angle.
The momentum had swung entirely in Marseille's favour. Just five minutes later, the former Arsenal forward struck again, getting ahead of defender Fabian Schär to poke Timothy Weah's cross past Pope at the near post. The quick-fire double completely altered the complexion of the game, leaving Newcastle shell-shocked.
Costly Defeat Dents Newcastle's European Hopes
Newcastle pushed hard for an equaliser in the latter stages. Substitute Anthony Elanga forced a good save from Marseille keeper Geronimo Rulli, and Barnes curled a late effort agonisingly wide of the post. However, a lack of precision in the final third ultimately proved costly for the Premier League side.
The result leaves Newcastle United with work to do in their Champions League group, while Marseille secure their second win of the campaign. The Magpies will rue a performance where an early lead was squandered, with a moment of goalkeeping fallibility from Pope proving exceptionally expensive on the European stage.
