Newcastle United’s Champions League encounter was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The match began with Bayer Leverkusen taking an early lead through an unfortunate own goal by Bruno Guimaraes. However, the Magpies quickly fought back, with Anthony Gordon equalizing from the penalty spot. Youngster Lewis Miley then headed Newcastle in front. Just when fans hoped for a victory, Alejandro Grimaldo equalized in the 88th minute, keeping the tension alive. While Leverkusen seemed to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, credit goes to Newcastle for their resilience in bouncing back twice.
Malick Thiaw Under Scrutiny
Amid the thrilling action, Malick Thiaw was a player to watch early on. In the 21st minute, he clipped Patrik Schick just outside the box, leading referee Serdar Gozubuyuk to deliberate whether the foul warranted a red card or merely a yellow. Former official Keith Hackett noted that with full-back Tino Livramento covering the angle, Thiaw did not deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. As a result, a yellow card and free-kick were ruled sufficient, demonstrating how the Laws of the Game differentiate between professional fouls and sending-off offenses.
Thiaw’s Defensive Dominance
Defensively, Malick Thiaw was an absolute anchor for Newcastle. His impressive performance included the following stats:
- Completed 40 of 43 passes (93% accuracy)
- Won all three of his tackles
- Made a remarkable 15 defensive contributions
- Claimed three of five ground duels (60%)
- Secured two of three aerial battles (67%)
No player matched his intensity or work rate, emphasizing why manager Eddie Howe places such immense trust in him.
A Valuable Addition
Since joining Newcastle from AC Milan for £34.6 million over the summer, the 24-year-old Thiaw has been a revelation. His composure on the ball, game reading, and physicality have secured his position as a center-back who seems worth every penny. At this rate, one might even consider whether their mortgage repayments could ever be as reliably covered as Thiaw’s clearances.
In conclusion, Newcastle’s Champions League night showcased not only their determination and fighting spirit but also the emergence of key players like Malick Thiaw, who continue to make significant contributions to the team’s success.