Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rolled back the years on Tuesday night, scoring a devastating second-half brace to inspire Marseille to a comeback victory over Newcastle United in the Champions League.
Newcastle, who have struggled away from home all season, took an early lead at a charged Stade Vélodrome through Harvey Barnes’ composed sixth-minute strike. The winger fired clinically inside the box after Pierre-Emile Højbjerg had moments earlier produced a superb headed clearance to deny Malick Thiaw.
But despite the bright start, Eddie Howe’s men faded quickly, allowing Marseille to grow in confidence and repeatedly find Aubameyang in dangerous positions. The Gabon striker wasted several first-half chances, but emerged after the break looking rejuvenated.
Just moments into the second half, 17-year-old Darryl Bakola split Newcastle’s defence with a precise through-ball. Goalkeeper Nick Pope raced off his line but misjudged the situation, leaving Aubameyang to guide a brilliant tight-angle finish into the net.
Four minutes later, Marseille completed the turnaround. Timothy Weah drove past Tino Livramento on the right flank and delivered a sharp low cross that Aubameyang hooked past Fabian Schär at the near post—sending manager Roberto De Zerbi sprinting down the touchline in celebration.
The win, Marseille’s second of the Champions League campaign, lifted them to 19th in the overall standings. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in eighth.
