At the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, a quiet revolution unfolded on Tuesday night. With 64,521 fans roaring under the floodlights, Marseille clawed back from an early deficit to defeat Newcastle United 2-1 in a Champions League clash that will echo through both clubs’ seasons. The hero? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36, former Arsenal captain and now the heartbeat of Marseille’s attack. Two goals in four minutes — the 46th and 50th — turned a nervy evening into a statement victory. It wasn’t just about the goals. It was about timing, grit, and a man who refused to let age define him.
The Early Lead That Didn’t Last
Newcastle, riding high after Harvey Barnes’ match-winning double against Manchester City just days earlier, struck early. In the sixth minute, Barnes finished coolly from a Sandro Tonali cross, his third goal in four days. The Newcastle United bench erupted. Manager Eddie Howe had gambled on a 5-4-1 shape, deploying Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento as wing-backs — a tactical twist that initially smothered Marseille’s rhythm. Malick Thiaw’s fourth-minute header was cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Bruno Guimarães’ corner effort was blocked by captain Leonardo Balerdi. For 40 minutes, Newcastle looked the better team. Nick Pope, their veteran goalkeeper, denied Aubameyang twice in quick succession. The French side had 18 shots all night — but only one before halftime.
The Turnaround That Shook the Champions League
The second half began like a different game. Marseille pressed. And then, Aubameyang did what only greats can do: turned chaos into clarity. In the 46th minute, Pope rushed out to clear a loose ball — but Aubameyang was quicker. He took one touch to beat the keeper, then curled a left-footed shot from a tight angle into the far corner. The stadium exploded. Forty seconds later, Mason Greenwood — the 22-year-old winger who orchestrated much of Marseille’s attacking play — slipped a cross into the six-yard box. Aubameyang, ghosting in unmarked, tapped it home. Two goals. Four minutes. The UEFA Champions League match had flipped on its head.
StatMuse data confirmed the shift: Marseille held 53.5% possession (535 passes at 86.5% accuracy), fired 18 shots (7 on target), and created five big chances. Newcastle, despite 30 touches in the box and 11 corners, had zero big chances. Their defense, once so organized, looked rattled. Aubameyang’s second goal wasn’t just a finish — it was a psychological knockout. He didn’t just score. He silenced doubt.
A 15-Year Wait Finally Over
This win ended a 15-year drought for Marseille against English opponents. Their last victory? A 1-0 win over Chelsea in 2010. Since then, they’d lost six straight matches to English sides — including a brutal 5-1 aggregate defeat to Liverpool in 2018. This wasn’t just a win. It was redemption. For the fans who’ve waited. For the club that’s seen better days. For Aubameyang, who was written off by many after his chaotic spells at Barcelona and Chelsea.
"He doesn’t seem to have lost much of his pace," said Sky Sports’ match analyst. And he’s right. At 36, Aubameyang has 16 goal contributions in 16 games this season — 10 goals, 6 assists. His two Champions League goals tonight brought his career total to 20 — putting him among the top 15 all-time scorers in the competition’s history. He’s not just playing. He’s rewriting the script.
Newcastle’s Road Woes Deepen
For Newcastle United, the defeat was a crushing blow. They entered the match with momentum — three straight wins in all competitions, including the dramatic win over City. But away from St. James’ Park, they’re a different team. Now, they have just one win in their last 11 away matches. The loss leaves them clinging to eighth place in the Champions League group stage, with Wednesday’s other results threatening to knock them out of the top eight entirely. Their formation, while clever on paper, collapsed under pressure. Pope, usually reliable, was caught out twice. And the midfield, once so disciplined, looked exhausted by the 60th minute.
"We started well, but we stopped believing," Howe admitted post-match. "When you give away two goals in four minutes against a team like Marseille, you have to take responsibility. We didn’t manage the game after the equalizer. That’s on us."
What This Means for Both Clubs
Marseille, now second in Ligue 1 with 28 points (9W-1D-3L), are on a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions. This win puts them in strong position to advance from Group B, where they’re tied with Chelsea on 7 points but lead on goal difference. For Newcastle, the path to the knockout stage just got narrower. With Manchester City and Crystal Palace breathing down their necks, they can’t afford another away loss. Their next fixture? A home game against Arsenal — a match that now carries even greater weight.
As for Aubameyang? He’s become the symbol of Marseille’s resurgence. His goals weren’t just about points. They were about pride. About proving that experience still matters. That hunger doesn’t age. That sometimes, the oldest players have the fiercest fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Aubameyang’s performance compare to his peak years at Arsenal?
At his peak with Arsenal (2018–2021), Aubameyang averaged 0.67 goals per game in the Premier League and won the Golden Boot in 2018–19. This season at Marseille, he’s matching that output — 16 goal contributions in 16 games — but with more playmaking responsibility. His movement is sharper, his finishing more clinical. While he doesn’t sprint like he did at 27, his positioning and anticipation are now elite. He’s not the same player — he’s a smarter, more complete one.
Why did Newcastle’s 5-4-1 formation fail in the second half?
The 5-4-1 worked early because Marseille’s fullbacks were hesitant to push high. But once Aubameyang equalized, Marseille’s midfielders — especially Hojbjerg and Greenwood — exploited the space behind Newcastle’s wing-backs. Livramento and Murphy, tasked with attacking and defending, were stretched thin. With no central striker to stretch Marseille’s defense, Newcastle lacked a focal point in attack. The formation became a trap, not a tactic.
What’s the significance of Marseille’s 15-year winless streak against English teams?
That streak symbolized Marseille’s decline on the European stage. Since their 2010 win over Chelsea, they’ve been eliminated by Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham in high-stakes matches. This win rekindles their identity as a European powerhouse — not just a domestic contender. It also sends a message to UEFA: Marseille can still compete with England’s elite, even without PSG’s financial backing.
How did Marseille’s possession stats reflect their dominance?
Marseille’s 53.5% possession and 86.5% pass accuracy weren’t just numbers — they showed control. While Newcastle had more touches in the final third (30 to 26), they had no clear chances. Marseille’s 18 shots, 7 on target, and 5 big chances reveal they created high-quality opportunities consistently. Their midfield trio of Hojbjerg, Balerdi, and Kostic moved the ball with purpose, not just possession for the sake of it.
Could Aubameyang’s form influence his international prospects?
Gabon hasn’t called him up since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but his form could change that. At 36, he’s still scoring in Europe’s top competition — something no other Gabonese player has done in over a decade. If he continues this pace, national coach Patrice Neveu may reconsider him as a mentor or even a starter. His leadership and finishing could be vital for Gabon’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
What’s next for Newcastle in the Champions League?
Newcastle must win their final two group games — home against Chelsea and away to Crystal Palace — to have any chance of advancing. A draw against Chelsea could be enough if other results go their way, but they need to fix their away form immediately. Without a win in their next two road matches, their Champions League campaign is over.