There is a unique kind of magic that surrounds a European away game. The journey to a foreign city, the sight of your team’s colors in a unfamiliar stadium, and the shared hope of thousands of traveling fans create an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate.
For Newcastle United, their trip to Belgium to face Union Saint-Gilloise was about capturing that magic and, more importantly, securing a result that would kickstart their Champions League campaign.
What unfolded on the pitch was a performance of complete control and dominance, a 4-0 victory that was as convincing as it was thrilling.
At the very heart of this commanding display was Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder put on a masterclass, dictating the tempo of the game from the center of the park.
His energy was infectious, his passing was precise, and his reading of the game was a step ahead of everyone else.
It was his driven shot from the edge of the box that led to the crucial opening goal, taking a fortunate deflection off striker Nick Woltemade on its way in.
While the goal was officially credited to the German, it was Tonali’s initiative and quality that created the opportunity, setting the tone for the entire evening.
This kind of influential performance has become the norm for Tonali since a tactical adjustment by manager Eddie Howe last season.
The manager shifted his role, placing him at the base of the midfield, and the transformation has been remarkable.
He has become the team’s metronome, the player who connects the defense to the attack and sets the rhythm for his teammates.
His development has been a key factor in the club’s recent success, including their Carabao Cup triumph and their return to the Champions League.
After the final whistle, the feeling of satisfaction was palpable. The traveling Newcastle supporters, who had been in magnificent voice throughout the match, serenaded Tonali with chants of his name.
The player clearly felt the connection, taking to social media shortly after to celebrate the victory. His post was simple but powerful, describing the European night with just one word: “special.”
This single, well-chosen adjective perfectly captured the significance of the occasion, not just for the result, but for the entire experience.
The response from his teammates in the comments section was just as telling. Team captain Bruno Guimaraes replied, calling Tonali a “brother,” a sign of the strong bond and mutual respect within the squad.
Goal-scorer Nick Woltemade expressed his awe at the midfielder’s performance, while defenders Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman, who were impeccable at the back, also chimed in with their praise.
This social media interaction offered a small glimpse into a united and happy dressing room, a group of players who are genuinely playing for each other.
Manager Eddie Howe was understandably pleased, highlighting the importance of his team’s response after the heartbreak of a last-minute defeat to Arsenal just a few days earlier.
He praised the character of his players and acknowledged that the early goal settled any nerves, allowing the team to play with the freedom and confidence he knows they possess.
More importantly, he sent a clear message of belief, not just to the fans, but to his own squad. “They should believe,” Howe stated, emphasizing that there is no reason why Newcastle cannot win games at this level, both home and away.
For everyone connected with Newcastle United, this victory was more than just three points. It was a statement.
It was a performance that blended defensive solidity with attacking flair, all orchestrated by a world-class midfielder in Sandro Tonali. The win broke a long-standing away drought in European competition and has firmly placed the club’s Champions League campaign back on track.
As the players returned home, the feeling was one of optimism. They have shown they belong on this stage, and with the bond and quality they displayed in Belgium, they will fear no one in the matches to come.
