After West Ham loss, Newcastle seek redemption against Bilbao | OneFootball

Newcastle United will turn their attention back to the Champions League on Tuesday when they host Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.

The Magpies were beaten 3-1 by West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, another frustrating reminder of their inconsistent form this season.

Eddie Howe’s side have impressed in Europe at times but have struggled to string together consistent results domestically, raising questions about whether they can find the right balance.

Their meeting with Bilbao could prove decisive in shaping their Champions League campaign.

The hosts began the league phase with a narrow defeat to Barcelona and cannot afford another setback if they hope to remain in contention for a top-eight finish.

This fixture is expected to be their toughest since the opening match, and Howe will demand a stronger response after lamenting his team’s lack of ‘dynamism’ and ‘energy’ in London.

Newcastle’s home record offers encouragement. St James’ Park has remained a fortress for much of the past year, and the home fans will again be crucial as they look to get back on track in Europe.

The players will be expected to show the intensity that has often been missing away from home.

Athletic will arrive with problems of their own. Ernesto Valverde’s side were beaten 3-2 by Real Sociedad last weekend, conceding a stoppage-time winner that extended a poor domestic run.

They have shown flashes of quality this season but remain plagued by inconsistency and defensive lapses.

Bilbao’s Champions League form has been similarly mixed. They opened their campaign with defeats to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund before recovering to beat Qarabag.

The Spanish outfit will hope that victory sparks a turnaround, although they have not won away from home in five matches and face one of the toughest atmospheres in Europe on Wednesday night.

The fixture carries added intrigue given the sides’ contrasting ambitions. Newcastle are still adjusting to competing on multiple fronts, while Bilbao are seeking stability under Valverde after a difficult few weeks.

Newcastle have shown they are capable of big performances on European nights, but consistency has been their greatest challenge.

This will be a demanding test, but also an opportunity for Howe’s team to show they can rise again when it matters most.