Aubameyang double leads Marseille to 2-1 comeback over Newcastle at Velodrome

Marseille produced a night of high drama at the Velodrome, overturning Newcastle's early lead to win 2-1 in the Champions League group stage. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice to turn the match in the French club's favour.

Newcastle had travelled with a plan to disrupt the hosts, and Harvey Barnes gave them the perfect start after six minutes, finishing a swift counter with a low shot.

But the visitors failed to press their advantage and Marseille slowly grew into the game. Aubameyang, who has a long history with English football, created chances in the first half but couldn't find the breakthrough for his new club.

After half-time, a sloppy kick-off moment changed the game. Fabian Schar's long ball forward went astray, and Timothy Weah's run and pass found Aubameyang, who finished well from the right of the box to level.

Only four minutes later, Newcastle's defence was again undone. Weah's cross found Aubameyang at the near post, and the former Arsenal man tucked in to complete the comeback.

Howe insisted he backed goalkeeper Nick Pope after the mistake, pointing out his earlier saves against Manchester City showed his quality. Yet the result left Newcastle with more away woes, despite a strong home run in the competition.

Impact on Newcastle's away form

The result adds to a familiar pattern for Newcastle in unfamiliar surroundings: impressive at home, but fragile on the road. They have won six of their last seven at St James' Park but only one away game in that span, last beating Union Saint-Gilloise in October.

The manager, Eddie Howe, urged patience and resilience as his side prepare for a challenging fixture list, starting with an away trip to Everton on Saturday. Howe added that Newcastle will come back, emphasising the need to learn from setbacks.

Key takeaways

• Aubameyang's late brace turned the match after Barnes had Newcastle in front early on.
• Defensive lapses on the road continue to hurt Newcastle in Europe.
• Howe remains confident in the squad's resilience and the potential for a comeback in upcoming fixtures.

Expert comment

Football analyst Mia Patel: The gap between Newcastle's home and away form is widening. Marseille exposed their vulnerability in transition and took advantage with precise finishing from Aubameyang.

Summary

Newcastle started brightly in Marseille but paid for a lapse in concentration after half-time as Aubameyang struck twice. The defeat highlights the Magpies' ongoing challenges on the road, even as their domestic form remains strong. They now face a tough run of fixtures as they look to regroup and climb the table.

Key insight: Newcastle's away defensive vulnerabilities again cost them, as Marseille's Aubameyang capitalised on fast breaks to seal a 2-1 win. Source: BBC Sport