admin“That’s Stupid”- Newcastle 3-2 Qarabag: Sandro Tonali slams “stupid” moment in brutally honest Champions League assessment
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali did not hold back in his assessment of the “stupid” goal his team conceded during their 3-2 Champions League win over Qarabag at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Holding a commanding 6-1 advantage from the first leg in Baku, Eddie Howe’s side only needed to avoid a dramatic collapse to secure their place in the last 16. Despite making several changes to the lineup, the Magpies started with intent.
Tonali and Joelinton both struck within the opening six minutes, stretching Newcastle’s aggregate lead to 8-1. Joelinton’s thunderous volley even set a new Champions League milestone, underlining the home side’s dominance.
However, Newcastle’s intensity dipped after racing into a two-goal lead on the night. Qarabag responded positively in the second half, making the contest more competitive.
Camilo Duran pulled one back in the 50th minute with a well-taken finish, briefly giving the travelling supporters hope. But defender Sven Botman quickly restored Newcastle’s cushion, powering home a header just two minutes later.
There was still late drama to come. Elvin Jafarguliyev added another for the visitors after Aaron Ramsdale had earlier denied Marko Jankovic from the penalty spot.
Jafarguliyev’s somewhat fortunate effort proved to be the final goal of the tie, as Newcastle advanced comfortably into the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Despite progression, Tonali was candid about his side’s performance after the break.
“It was a very good game in the first 10 minutes,” he told Amazon Prime. “But I’m not very happy with the second half because we played just for the result.
“We have to do more because these fans deserve 100 percent in every game. We can give 100 percent more. We need to push every minute. The first thing was not to concede a goal.
“In the first 10 minutes of the second half we conceded. I think it was a stupid goal. Every time we concede, we are not happy. But we are happy because we progress in the Champions League.
We train a lot for this.”
Newcastle will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the Round of 16. Winger Jacob Murphy, who celebrated his 31st birthday on the night, insisted the squad fears no opponent.
“Anyone,” he said. “With this group of players we’ll take on anybody. In knockout football we back ourselves. Bring on whoever comes.”
The Magpies will learn their next opponents on Friday once the remaining playoff fixtures conclude.
Attention now turns back to domestic action, with a Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday, followed by a heavyweight showdown against Manchester United next week.
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