Newcastle United's Swedish striker #14 Alexander Isak (C) celebrates in front of the Newcastle fans after scoring their second goal during the English League Cup final football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, north-west London on March 16, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may b
Newcastle United boosted their Champions League hopes with a commanding 2-0 victory over top-four rivals Chelsea at St James’ Park. Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes secured the win, as Chelsea’s efforts were hampered by a first-half red card to Nicolas Jackson.
Both teams entered the match level on 63 points and looking to cut the gap to second-placed Arsenal, but Newcastle took early control. Just two minutes in, Tonali punished a Chelsea error in possession to open the scoring.
The match tilted further in Newcastle’s favor in the 35th minute when Jackson was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Sven Botman—upgraded from yellow after a VAR review.
Chelsea pressed for an equalizer in the second half, with Marc Cucurella and Reece James going close, but the hosts stood firm. Guimaraes sealed the result late on, taking Newcastle up to third place and putting them in a strong position for a top-four finish with just two games remaining.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his side’s resilience, he said “We’re very pleased. The sending-off changed the game, and while the second half was mentally challenging, we defended well. Nick Pope made two fantastic saves he was a key for us.”
On Jackson’s red card, Howe added:
“I’m sure there was no intent, but ultimately it didn’t look good.”
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