Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice early in the second half to turn the game around as Marseille defeated Newcastle 2-1 in the Champions League at the Stade Velodrome. Newcastle had taken the lead through Harvey Barnes in the sixth minute but suffered lapses after the break. The result ends Newcastle's three-game winning streak in the competition.
Newcastle started strongly in their Champions League match against Marseille, taking the lead after just six minutes when Harvey Barnes converted a cross from the right, following his recent two-goal performance against Manchester City. The visitors impressed in the first half at the Stade Velodrome, handling the atmosphere well despite the challenging environment.
However, the game shifted dramatically shortly after halftime. Aubameyang, the 36-year-old former Arsenal striker, first rolled back the years with a brilliant finish from a wide angle after rounding goalkeeper Nick Pope. Minutes later, he poked home a cross to give Marseille the lead, securing what proved to be the winner. These were Aubameyang's seventh and eighth goals of the season.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe attributed the defeat to 'lapses of concentration,' particularly in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. 'The goal straight away near enough after half time changes the whole feeling around the stadium and the game itself,' Howe told TNT Sports. 'It was just a lapse of concentration from our perspective.' Defender Dan Burn echoed this, calling the second-half start '10-15 minutes of madness' that cost them, while praising Aubameyang's sharpness at 36.
Aubameyang was delighted with the victory, stating, 'I’m very happy to be here at this club to enjoy moments like tonight. It was a great game. We started a bit sloppily, but we reacted well. I’m feeling great, even if I’m 36.' UEFA named him Player of the Match.
Marseille's starting lineup included Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Mason Greenwood, and Aubameyang, while Newcastle fielded Barnes up front with Anthony Gordon. Injuries sidelined Marseille's Nayef Aguerd, Facundo Medina, and Amine Gouiri, and Newcastle's Kieran Trippier, Yoane Wissa, and Will Osula.
