The Champions League buzz was at fever pitch on Wednesday night as Newcastle United delivered a powerhouse performance, dispatching PSV 3-0 at St. James’ Park and fanning the flames of their top-eight ambitions for the 2025/26 campaign. With the electric atmosphere fueling every pass and tackle, Newcastle made sure their fate stayed firmly in their own hands ahead of a tantalizing group finale against Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle’s under-the-lights magic: Wissa’s debut delight — The evening’s heroics belonged to Yoane Wissa, whose goal and assist set the stage for a classic Magpies European night. His opening goal in the eighth minute epitomized the high-pressing, opportunistic style that manager Eddie Howe has instilled in his side: a misjudged clearance from PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar, calmly collected by captain Bruno Guimaraes, led to a swift interchange involving Joelinton before Wissa found the net—even if with a bit of luck from his scuffed finish.
Wissa etched his name in club history books—not only as the seventh Newcastle player to score on his first Champions League home start, but also as only the 11th player from DR Congo to net in the competition, joining an elite club where only Lomana Lua Lua had previously scored for an English side.
Defensive blunders and ruthless finishing: Gordon strikes
As the match unfolded, Newcastle continued to turn up the heat. PSV, the Eredivisie’s pace-setters, struggled to cope with Newcastle’s relentless pressure. Their frailties were punished again in the 30th minute: Yarek Gasiorowski’s lax back pass was pounced upon by Wissa, who displayed vision and calm, squaring perfectly for Anthony Gordon to slot home.
For Newcastle supporters, Gordon’s European form has been a revelation. While he’s only scored twice in 17 Premier League outings this season, his Champions League tally soared to six goals—only bettered among Europe’s elite by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé (11) and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (seven). Remarkably, Gordon also matched the legendary Alan Shearer’s goal record in Europe’s top competition, underscoring his knack for delivering on the biggest nights.
Harvey Barnes’ mesmerizing solo and resilience amid setbacks
The Magpies didn’t let up after the interval. In the 65th minute, Harvey Barnes conjured a moment of real magic. Gliding past defenders from 30 yards out, he unleashed a crisp finish into the bottom-right corner—leaving PSV’s defense in his wake and putting the contest out of sight.
Wissa almost doubled his haul late on, narrowly missing connecting with Barnes’ inviting cross. But by then, Newcastle’s dominance was assured. The numbers told the story:
- 11 Newcastle shots producing a 2.52 xG
- Just 6 attempts for PSV, with a meager 0.34 xG
- An overwhelming sense of control as Newcastle cruised through the closing minutes
It’s worth noting, however, that the victory carried a small worry; Bruno Guimaraes was forced off after a collision with Kovar. Still, the squad’s depth and unity saw the job done, ensuring the loss didn’t overshadow an exhilarating performance.
With this vital win, Newcastle hold seventh place with 13 points—putting them right in the mix as they gear up for their final group phase battle against PSG. For Eddie Howe’s men, belief is sky-high, with a squad blending proven Premier League backbone and new European heroes.