Marseille 2-1 Newcastle United: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Newcastle United struck first in this Champions League clash, with Harvey Barnes finding the net in the 6th minute to give the visitors an early lead. Marseille responded with pressure but couldn’t break through before the break, picking up yellow cards for Leonardo Balerdi in the 3rd minute and Darryl Bakola in the 36th, while Newcastle’s Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon were booked in the 20th and 42nd minutes, respectively. The first half ended with Newcastle ahead, despite Marseille’s growing possession.

The second half turned quickly as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised for Marseille in the 46th minute, assisted by Darryl Bakola, and then doubled his tally in the 50th with an assist from Timothy Weah to put the hosts in front. Newcastle made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, with Lewis Hall replacing Tino Livramento, Anthony Elanga coming on for Fabian Schar, and Lewis Miley for Jacob Murphy, while Marseille swapped Matt O’Riley for Darryl Bakola in the 62nd.

Further changes followed, including Newcastle’s double switch in the 72nd with Nick Woltemade for Anthony Gordon and Jacob Ramsey for Joe Willock, but Marseille held firm through additional yellow cards and late subs to secure the 2-1 victory.

Marseille dominated possession with 58% compared to Newcastle’s 42%, which allowed them to rack up 11 corners against the visitors’ 5, creating sustained pressure that paid off in the second half. Their 75 successful dribbles far outpaced Newcastle’s 50, highlighting better individual skill in breaking lines, while recording 2 assists underlined the quality of their goals; Newcastle managed none, reflecting a lack of creativity after their early strike.

The hosts used 3 substitutions effectively to maintain momentum, whereas Newcastle deployed all 5 in bids to chase the game, but disciplinary issues saw Marseille pick up 5 yellow cards to Newcastle’s 3, adding tension without any reds or injury-time goals influencing the outcome.

These stats paint a picture of Marseille’s control translating into a comeback win, with their higher corner count and dribble success forcing Newcastle onto the back foot, though the Magpies’ early efficiency kept it close until the end.

The match’s decisive moments came early and then in a rapid second-half burst, starting with Harvey Barnes’ unassisted goal for Newcastle in the 6th minute to take the lead. Marseille flipped the script right after the restart, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice – first in the 46th, assisted by Darryl Bakola, then in the 50th with Timothy Weah’s help – to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 advantage.

Key talking points included Newcastle’s triple substitution at 61 minutes, bringing on Lewis Hall, Anthony Elanga, and Lewis Miley to try and regain footing, but yellow cards like Dan Burn’s in the 65th for the visitors and several for Marseille, including Emerson Palmieri’s in the 52nd, kept the game heated without altering the scoreline.

Marseille lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line effectively as the focal point up front, supported by creative outlets like Mason Greenwood and Timothy Weah in the attacking midfield roles. The double pivot in midfield provided stability, allowing full-backs such as Emerson Palmieri to push forward, while the back four, anchored by Leonardo Balerdi, held firm despite early disciplinary issues.

Newcastle United set up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, relying on Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock in advanced positions to support the lone striker and exploit transitions. The wing-backs, including Tino Livramento, offered width, with the central defensive trio led by Fabian Schar and Dan Burn providing a solid base, though midfield partnerships like Joe Willock’s were tested by Marseille’s possession dominance.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned Man of the Match honours for his clinical brace that turned the game around, scoring in the 46th and 50th minutes to secure Marseille’s victory. His movement and finishing were pivotal, especially as he started the match and stayed on until being substituted in stoppage time for Ruben Vaz. Without his goals, Marseille might have struggled to overcome the early deficit.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Newcastle United (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Atalanta (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Sporting CP (A)
• Win: 4-0 vs Ajax (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Real Madrid (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Olympique Marseille (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Athletic Club (H)
• Win: 3-0 vs Benfica (H)
• Win: 4-0 vs Union Saint-Gilloise (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs FC Barcelona (H)

Marseille will look to build on this hard-fought Champions League win as they push for progression in the group, with their next fixture offering a chance to maintain momentum in domestic action.

Newcastle United face the task of bouncing back from this defeat in Europe, aiming to regroup for their upcoming Premier League clash to keep their season on track.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.