Newcastle Close In on Champions League Spot

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Newcastle United took a massive stride toward securing Champions League football next season with a 2-0 win over Chelsea at a sun-drenched St James’ Park on Sunday.

Sandro Tonali struck in just the second minute, and Bruno Guimaraes added a late deflected goal, but the match pivoted on a costly red card for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson in the first half. The result lifts Newcastle to third place on 66 points — three clear of Chelsea, who remain in fifth with just two games remaining.

Tonali gave the Magpies a dream start, ghosting in unmarked at the far post to meet Jacob Murphy’s low cross and slotting calmly past Djordje Petrović. The early goal rocked the Blues and brought the home crowd to life.

But Chelsea's hopes took a significant hit when Jackson saw red in the 35th minute. Initially shown yellow for leading with his elbow on Dan Burn, a lengthy VAR check upgraded the caution to a straight dismissal, leaving Chelsea with a mountain to climb.

To their credit, Mauricio Pochettino’s side showed fight, dominating possession and pushing Newcastle deep into their half for much of the second period. But their pressure failed to bear fruit, and in the dying moments, Guimaraes sealed the win with a deflected strike from distance that wrong-footed the Chelsea keeper.

The loss deals a blow to Chelsea's top-four hopes, while Newcastle are now firmly in control of their Champions League destiny.