Newcastle in control as they defeat Athletic Club | OneFootball

Newcastle United enjoyed a comfortable home win in the Champions League with Dan Burn and Joelinton on the scoresheet.

The Magpies went into this game knowing that this was a great time to face Athletic Club. The Basque side have had a big injury crisis and went into this game coming off a 3-2 defeat away to rivals Real Sociedad.

Indeed, Athletic Club's weakness was evident in the first ten minutes when Joelinton converted after a ball over the top of the defence. The Brazilian had just strayed offside but it was a warning to the La Liga side.

Two minutes later, Newcastle took the lead. Kieran Trippier sent in a typically fine delivery that Dan Burn met as he peeled away at the back post, bizarrely free of any marker. The finish was quite something from Burn, his header somehow curled into the corner in the style of a finessed shot.

Of course, Athletic Club still have quality and that was evident when they went close to equalising. A corner from the right had been cleared but only as far as Adama Boiro whose effort bounced off the post.

Nick Woltemade had the chance to double the home side's lead when a deflected cross from the right looked like it was sitting perfectly for the German but the striker's effort went wide of Unai Simón's goal.

The only downside of the first half from Eddie Howe's perspective is that he was forced into an early change when Anthony Gordon had to be replaced by Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle doubled their lead early into the second half to stamp their authority on the game. A cross from the lead by Harvey Barnes allowed Joelinton to head past Simón from close range.

From that point on, the Magpies were able to enjoy the rest of the evening. Athletic Club showed a few bright moments with Nico Serrano forcing Nick Pope into a fine save but ultimately Newcastle didn't look threatened.

This win means it's now nine points from four games for Newcastle as they look to finish in the top eight.