Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s quickfire double secured a 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory for Marseille over Newcastle United, ending the French side’s 12-match winless streak (D3, L9) against English opposition.

The Magpies started aggressively at the hostile Stade Vélodrome. In the fourth minute, Malick Thiaw’s looping header was spectacularly cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Newcastle quickly took the lead just two minutes later, with in-form winger Harvey Barnes continuing his rich vein of form. Sandro Tonali’s low cross from the right found Barnes, who slotted home his fourth goal in three games.

Marseille responded with intensity, spearheaded by Aubameyang, who tested Nick Pope with a clever turn and shot. Igor Paixao also came close with a curling effort, while Aubameyang missed two prime chances in an entertaining first half—heading wide from close range before flashing another effort wide while challenged by Thiaw.

The Comeback

Newcastle had been one of only four teams yet to concede a first-half goal in this season’s UCL, but that resilience crumbled just 19 seconds after the break. Pope rushed out to meet a through ball, only for Aubameyang to arrive first and curl a beautiful finish inside the post from wide on the right. Just four minutes later, the striker completed the turnaround. Timothy Weah’s cross found Aubameyang, who nipped ahead of his marker to tap home, marking his eighth goal in 10 encounters against Newcastle and his sixth UCL goal contribution in five games this season.

Despite going behind, Newcastle remained dangerous. Joe Willock forced Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli into a smart save just before the hour, while Barnes curled wide of the far post late on. However, Aubameyang’s decisive brace sealed the win.

https://fairbet.bet/The victory was Marseille’s second in five UCL matches this season, providing a much-needed boost in Europe, while Newcastle, despite the setback, remain on nine points and in strong contention for the knockout stages.