"After a spirited but losing effort against Barcelona on matchday one, Newcastle have since found their stride in Europe, winning their last two fixtures. The Magpies cruised past Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Belgium and then dismantled Benfica 3-0 at home, putting them inside the top sixteen places on goal difference. The St James' Park fortress has long been a stronghold in Europe, Newcastle have avoided defeat in 29 of their last 33 continental home games, winning 22 of those."
"However, away form remains a concern. The defeat at West Ham exposed lapses in intensity and defensive focus, prompting Howe to criticise his team's lack of "dynamism," "physicality," and "energy." Bilbao also arrive looking to regain momentum. Despite showing plenty of fight in their recent derby, twice coming from behind against Real Sociedad, they were undone by Jon Gorrotxategi's injury-time winner."
Newcastle host Athletic Club in the Champions League following a 3-1 Premier League defeat to West Ham. Newcastle won their last two European fixtures, beating Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 and Benfica 3-0 to sit inside the top sixteen on goal difference. St James' Park has been a European stronghold, with Newcastle avoiding defeat in 29 of their last 33 continental home games and winning 22, and the team has four straight home wins, scoring nine and conceding one. Defensive lapses and a lack of dynamism, physicality and energy were criticised after the weekend loss. Athletic arrive after a 3-2 derby defeat and have only two wins in 11 matches across competitions.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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