It was a night of big performances at St James’ Park as the Magpies sailed to three Euro points
21:53, 05 Nov 2025Updated 22:04, 05 Nov 2025
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn is mobbed by teammates after scoring the team’s opening goal against Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park
Newcastle United were too good for La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao as they comfortably secured three Champions League points at St James’ Park.
Newcastle grabbed the lead on 11 minutes when Bruno Guimaraes won a free-kick mid-way in the Bilbao half. Kieran Trippier drifted the ball over the visiting defence with Dan Burn steering home a power header at the Leazes End.
That lead was doubled on 49 minutes after great work from Harvey Barnes who beat his man and crossed perfectly for Joelinton to bury another header and make it 2-0.
Here’s how the players rated against Athletic Bilbao:
Nick Pope 7
Mostly routine stuff, but another clean sheet in the Champions League. Great save to deny Nico Serrano.
Kieran Trippier 8
A smart assist for the opener and his leadership helped guide Newcastle to three points.
Malick Thiaw 9
Won everything in the air and passed the ball around with such ease he could have been playing a park game on a Sunday morning. AC Milan must feel like they were robbed at £35m.
Sven Botman 7
A much-improved display from West Ham. This will do him the world of good.
Dan Burn 9
Another Champions League goal to his name with a power header that Shearer would be chuffed with. But it wasn’t just about the goal, this was a rock solid display that set standards early in the game for his team-mates. Man of the match.
Joelinton 8
Back to the Joelinton we know and love. Crunch tackles and a goal thrown in.
Bruno Guimaraes 6
Worked hard but could not find his usual kind of rhythm.
Sandro Tonali 8
Comfortable and cool. Played his part and tried to pick holes in the Bilbao defence.
Anthony Gordon 5
Never truly got into the game before retiring early with a hip injury. Just 18 touches but never seemed right.
Harvey Barnes 8
A great effort. Caused problems and left the field with an assist.
Nick Woltemade 6
Should have joined his team-mates on the scoresheet. A decent fist of things but can and will do better.
Subs
Jacob Murphy 7 (for Gordon 40)
Lewis Hall 7 (for Burn 65)
Anthony Elanga (for Barnes 65)
Lewis Miley (for Bruno 65)
Jacob Ramsey (for Woltemade 83)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to gain a mark
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Newcastle United continue their UEFA Champions League campaign as they host Athletic Bilbao on November 5. Fans can watch the game on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.
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