Newcastle Thrashes Chelsea 2:0 In a Champions League Duel

It is a sad Champions League outing for Chelsea Football Club and its burgeoning supporters, after it was thrashed 2:0 by Newcastle.

The defeat has not only left The Blues 5^th on the Premier League table with 63 points, but has also put in jeopardy, the club’s bid for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

On the other hand, the feat at St. James’ Park has seen Newcastle move up to third slot with 66 points.

Forward Nicolas Jackson may carry much of the blame for Chelsea’s defeat after a violent conduct late in the first half saw him being marched off the pitch.

A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review had indicted him elbowing Sven Botman, leaving his team mates to play shot of a player.

Try as it did, Chelsea could only threaten the opponent’s goal but did not succeed in converting any of the attempts.

Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea Nicolas Jackson sent off as Blues suffer damaging defeat in race for Champions. Photo: Standard

Dan Burn headed just wide from a Tonali cross and later made a crucial block to deny Pedro Neto. Burn connected with a cross from Harvey Barnes late in the first half, but his header lacked power to trouble Robert Sánchez.

READ ALSO: UEFA Champions League Play-off Draw Full List

READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo Makes Bold AFC Champions League Prediction

Incidentally Nick Pope was rarely tested but stayed alert, saving a low effort from Cole Palmer early in the second half and later making a vital stop to deny Marc Cucurella. With 20 minutes remaining, Murphy chipped the ball into the path of Guimarães, whose shot drifted wide.

Chelsea came close to equalizing in the final minutes. Pope produced a brilliant save to keep out Enzo Fernández’s shot, and Reece James headed over from close range shortly after.

But Newcastle sealed the victory in the 90th minute when Guimarães cut inside from the left and curled a fine finish into the net, wrapping up a crucial win in their push for a top-four finish.