Newcastle United kept their Champions League dreams alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford, thanks to a stunning late winner from Sandro Tonali, a goal the Italian later admitted was “70% a cross.”
Fresh from ending their 70-year trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory, Eddie Howe’s side showed no signs of a hangover as they moved into fifth place, one point clear of Chelsea. But it was far from straightforward against a dangerous Brentford team that threatened throughout.
The Magpies started brightly, with Alexander Isak, who later left the pitch with a groin issue, forcing an early chance. Yet Brentford’s rapid counterattacks, led by the impressive Bryan Mbeumo, kept Newcastle’s defense on edge. The visitors’ persistence paid off when Mbeumo equalized from the penalty spot after Nick Pope fouled Yoane Wissa, canceling out Isak’s first-half volley.
Just as Brentford seemed poised to take control, Tonali delivered a moment of sheer audacity. From an improbable angle near the corner flag, the midfielder spotted goalkeeper Mark Flekken off his line and lofted a speculative effort that curled into the far corner. The St. James’ Park crowd erupted, serenading their match-winner with chants of “drinks Moretti, eats spaghetti.”
Post-match, Tonali grinned when Brentford boss Thomas Frank jokingly asked if he meant the shot. “There was a little luck,” the Italian admitted. Howe, relieved after a below-par performance, quipped that Tonali “practices it every day in training.”
With European football within reach, Newcastle’s resilience shines. But as Howe acknowledged, tougher tests lie ahead. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Mbeumo only strengthened his case as a potential summer target for the Magpies after another influential display.
Newcastle’s legend grows, but their Champions League push is far from over.
Tonali’s Audacious Strike Seals Newcastle Win as Champions League Chase Heats Up
