Newcastle United’s three-match winning run in the Champions League came to an end with a 2-1 defeat away to Marseille.
Harvey Barnes put the Magpies in front but for a third straight away game, Eddie Howe’s side failed to hold on to their lead after succumbing to two Pierre-Emerick Aubameyan goals.
Howe made three changes from Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League, recalling Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon in place of Lewis Hall and Nick Woltemade, while Joe Willock came in for Joelinton in the midfield.
There were just six minutes on the clock when the Magpies got their noses in front. Willock found Sandro Tonali in space before the Italian’s cross was turned home by Harvey Barnes for his fourth goal in just three games.
United carried their lead into half-time but surrendered it just five minutes into the second half as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice.
Nick Pope came racing off his line and Aubameyang finished from a tight angle. The former Arsenal man then got in between Burn and Fabian Schar to divert Timothy Weah’s cross home.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Nick Pope - 4
A moment of madness to come charging off his line which allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to fire into an empty net. Totally changed the momentum of the game. Catastrophic. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Jacob Murphy - 5
Deployed as right-wing back and struggled to stay alert defensively. Didn’t offer much going forward either. | Getty Images
3. Malick Thiaw - 7
Hard to fault Thiaw even in defeat. Put it an outstanding last-ditch challenge on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and remained alert. Forever a calming presence. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Fabian Schar - 5
Switched off as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ghosted in between him and Dan Burn to make it 2-1. | Getty Images