Joelinton bidding to "bounce back" ahead of Union Saint-Gilloise trip | OneFootball

The Magpies take on the Belgian Pro League champions at Lotto Park, home of R.S.C. Anderlecht, targeting a first away victory in a European competition since claiming a 1-0 win against Metalist Kharkiv during a Europa League last-32 clash in February 2013.

Following Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at St. James' Park, the Brazilian midfielder is hopeful the Magpies can respond in positive fashion to kickstart their 2025/26 Champions League campaign after a narrow 2-1 loss against FC Barcelona under a fortnight ago.

Speaking at Tuesday afternoon's pre-match media briefing, held at Lotto Park, the 29-year-old said: "I feel good and the team is good. Everyone is positive.

"Sunday was difficult but me move on and, tomorrow, we have another opportunity to win the game. We were disappointed and sad but that's part of football.

"This season, there are so many games and you cannot be disappointed for so long. Tomorrow is another game, we are positive and, hopefully, we can bounce back and get the win."

After facing the likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and current Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain during the 2023/24 Champions League campaign, Joelinton believes the squad have benefited positively from their previous experiences in the competition.

The seven-time Brazil international added: "I think we always learn in every game and competition we play. We always try to learn something in defeats and wins.

"I think the team has evolved from two years ago and we are a better team now. This season is not the start we wanted, but we know the qualities we have in our team.

"We have the confidence and experienced players to turn it on. Hopefully, we can start tomorrow."

Ahead of their second of eight league phase fixtures on Wednesday, Joelinton is determined for United to progress into the Champions League knockout stages, with the top eight sides securing automatic qualification into the last 16 while the sides finishing from ninth to 24th place contest a knockout phase play-off.

"It's very important," Joelinton said. "We have big goals every season and we have that again this season. We want to go as far as possible and, fingers crossed, we can do that.

"When I joined the club, I wanted to have success. [At] the start, things didn't go in the way I wanted but this club has a great fanbase, city and the fans deserve a lot.

"We, as a team, want to give success to Newcastle and put our names in the history of the club."