Burn and Joelinton Head Newcastle to Victory Over Bilbao

Published: 06 November 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

Newcastle United bounced back in style with a solid and composed 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park, with goals from Dan Burn and Joelinton. After a disheartening defeat to West Ham at the weekend, this match offered the perfect opportunity for Eddie Howe’s side to restore belief and reassert their growing European credentials. The result marked Newcastle’s third consecutive Champions League win without conceding, putting them in a commanding position in their group. With four matches remaining, they need just one more victory to almost guarantee a playoff spot, while two wins and a draw would likely see them through to the last 16 automatically.

For Newcastle supporters, this performance was a welcome reminder of the potential their team holds when everything clicks. Over the past few months, they have become a side of extremes — dazzling in one moment and frustratingly flat the next. This dual personality has made them unpredictable but also dangerous, capable of dismantling quality opponents such as Benfica and Union Saint-Gilloise, yet vulnerable to slip-ups like the one at West Ham. As one commentator observed, Newcastle have become a “Jekyll and Hyde” team: both ferociously energetic winners and lethargic underperformers.

Eddie Howe was quick to acknowledge the psychological importance of this victory. “We navigated today really well after the weekend,” he said post-match. “It was important we responded mentally. Our psychology was really good. We’ve had three wins in a row, some good performances and we’re in a good position.” His tone reflected relief as much as satisfaction — a recognition that momentum, once lost, can be difficult to recover in a packed European calendar.

From the opening whistle, Newcastle looked purposeful. They pressed with intent, dominated aerial duels, and controlled possession through their midfield pairing of Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton. Their superior physicality was apparent throughout, a trait that has consistently given Premier League sides an edge in European competition. Athletic Bilbao struggled to cope with the intensity, particularly when defending set-pieces — a weakness Newcastle ruthlessly exploited.

The breakthrough came after just 11 minutes. From a Kieran Trippier corner, the Basque side’s defence appeared momentarily frozen as Dan Burn drifted into space at the back post. Trippier’s delivery was perfectly weighted, and Burn, all six feet seven inches of him, rose above the crowd to direct a looping header into the far corner. It was a goal that combined precision, power, and timing — hallmarks of Newcastle’s increasingly sophisticated approach to set plays.

“It was a well-worked routine,” Howe explained later. “A really good ball in. We need to score more from set plays.” His admiration for Trippier was clear, particularly given that the full-back had only recently returned from illness. “Kieran’s attitude in getting back to fitness has been incredible,” Howe added. “He’s such an important leader for us.”

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, were left to rue their defensive lapses. Head coach Ernesto Valverde expressed frustration at his team’s inability to anticipate Newcastle’s threat. “I have a bitter taste in my mouth,” he said. “It was a shame. In the first half they punished us with a free-kick. It was almost telegraphed — we should have known. It was an obvious move and we fell for it.”

Despite their disappointment, the visitors did create a few chances. Unai Gómez came close midway through the first half, denied by a fine reflex save from Nick Pope, while Adama Boiro rattled the post with a curling shot from distance. Those moments aside, however, Newcastle remained in control, using their superior strength and organisation to neutralise Athletic’s creative play.

Just four minutes into the second half, the hosts doubled their lead. Harvey Barnes, who had been lively down the left flank, delivered an inviting cross that somehow evaded three defenders. Joelinton, left unmarked six yards out, met it with a firm header that powered past goalkeeper Unai Simón. The ease with which the Brazilian found space was alarming for Bilbao, but typical of the lapses that have haunted them this season.

At 2-0, the result rarely looked in doubt. Newcastle managed the remainder of the game with composure and maturity, maintaining possession when needed and slowing the tempo to frustrate their opponents. Howe opted for a triple substitution midway through the second half — an understandable decision given the heavy schedule and the physical toll of recent fixtures. The changes temporarily disrupted Newcastle’s rhythm, but Athletic never looked capable of mounting a comeback.

The closing stages saw Newcastle largely content to protect their lead, conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary risks. Yet the night was not without concern: Anthony Gordon was forced off with a recurrence of his hip injury, a setback that could affect team selection ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash with Brentford.

For Howe, the key takeaway was control — both tactical and emotional. His team had suffered from inconsistency in recent weeks, particularly in away fixtures, but their home form remains formidable. “These home games were really important,” he said. “That put added pressure on us. We want to make sure we don’t become that team that’s yoyoing in terms of attitude and intensity. I know the players are frustrated at times, but it’s not from a lack of effort. If you only lift yourself for certain moments, you never know when that negative side’s going to raise itself.”

As St James’ Park erupted at the final whistle, there was a palpable sense of relief and renewed belief. Newcastle had not only won but done so with authority and discipline. Their defensive organisation, led by Fabian Schär and Sven Botman, was excellent, and their midfield combination of energy and creativity once again proved decisive.

European nights in Newcastle have always carried a special atmosphere, and this one was no exception. Under the floodlights, the Magpies reminded their fans and their critics alike that they belong among the continent’s elite. With confidence restored and qualification within touching distance, the challenge now is to maintain that consistency across all competitions.

A trip to Brentford this weekend will provide a contrasting test — one that will demand the same level of focus and intensity. But with the international break looming, this victory gives Howe and his players a timely boost, allowing them to approach the next phase of the season with renewed optimism.

Newcastle’s blend of tactical discipline, physical power, and resilience is beginning to look like a defining feature under Eddie Howe. If they can sustain this balance and learn from their setbacks, the club’s European adventure may yet stretch deep into the new year.