Tonali and Guimaraes Fire Newcastle Closer to Champions League

Newcastle United surged closer to sealing Champions League football with a resolute 2-0 victory over 10-man Chelsea, in a pulsating clash under the St James’ Park lights. With only two league games remaining, the Magpies now stand within touching distance of a return to Europe’s elite – needing just four points from their final fixtures.

The home side wasted no time igniting the occasion. Just 1 minute and 52 seconds after kickoff, Sandro Tonali latched onto a low ball from Jacob Murphy to prod a bouncing finish past Robert Sanchez. It was Newcastle’s fastest-ever Premier League goal against Chelsea – and one that set the tone for a spirited first half.

Chelsea, despite arriving in form and level on points with the hosts, never truly recovered from that early blow. Their woes deepened dramatically just before half-time. Nicolas Jackson, already walking a tightrope, inexplicably led with his elbow in an aerial duel with Sven Botman. Referee John Brooks initially reached for yellow, but a swift VAR intervention saw the card upgraded to red. Chelsea were down to ten, and down a goal – their European hopes unraveling in real time.

Though Chelsea emerged after the break with more composure and possession, their efforts failed to translate into genuine threat. Nick Pope was called into action twice  saving smartly from Marc Cucurella and later tipping over a deflected Enzo Fernandez effort  but otherwise remained largely untroubled.

Instead, it was discipline  or a lack thereof  that defined Chelsea’s second half. Five yellow cards flew in a 45-minute stretch that saw tempers fray on the pitch and sidelines alike. Reece James had Chelsea’s best moment, flashing a header just over the bar from Malo Gusto’s pinpoint delivery. It was a golden chance – and ultimately one they would regret.

With the clock ticking into the 90th minute, Newcastle struck the final blow. From a short routine off Tonali’s free-kick, Dan Burn slipped a pass to Bruno Guimaraes at the edge of the area. The Brazilian took a touch and let fly  his shot looping off a Chelsea defender and over the helpless Sanchez. Cue delirium in the Gallowgate End.

It was Guimaraes’ seventh goal of the campaign, and one that not only sealed the three points, but likely sealed Newcastle’s return to the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s men, now third in the table, have Arsenal and Everton left to play  and know four more points will be enough.

Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in fifth after a performance that combined early errors, ill-discipline, and attacking impotence. Their 0.62 expected goals tally tells its own story, and Maresca will know that with the Conference League final still to come, keeping spirits high after such a deflating league loss will be no easy task.