Dan Burn set Newcastle United on their way to victory against Athletic Club, but it was Sandro Tonali who stole the show.
The 25-year-old was exceptional in Newcastle United’s win over Athletic Club, as they made it three wins in a row in the Champions League. The Magpies are up to sixth in the table and already dreaming of the next stage of the competition.
It was not a vintage Toon performance on Wednesday night, but Sandro Tonali can certainly be happy with his contribution. Tonali won UEFA’s player of the match award, and was certainly the most deserving of the accolade.
The Italian midfielder was relentless, on a night where Athletic’s pressing limited Newcastle’s ability to control possession.
Sandro Tonali in action against Athletic Club in the Champions League.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Dan Burn tells Sandro Tonali he is ‘unreal’ after Newcastle United beat Athletic Club
Following a tough victory for Newcastle United, Tonali took to his official Instagram account.
He posted one picture of him in action against Athletic Club and another of him holding his player of the match award.
The message that went alongside those pictures is nothing groundbreaking, with Tonali writing: “European nights.”
However, there was a reply from Dan Burn, who wanted to make clear just how good his teammate was against the La Liga side.
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In response to Tonali’s post, Burn commented: “Unreal.”
There was also a reply from Bruno Guimaraes, who wrote ‘fratello’. That is Italian for ‘brother’.
Sandro Tonali was a one-man midfield during Champions League triumph
Newcastle United got the job done against Athletic Club, but it was far from a perfect performance.
That was due to a combination of their pressing and the Magpies’ sloppiness in possession, with Eddie Howe’s side struggling to dictate proceedings.
That was summed up in midfield by the performances of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. The former, who was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI due to illness, was kept incredibly quiet by Athletic Club. As for Joelinton, he appeared to be having a competition with Anthony Gordon in the first half to see who could lose possession the most.
The 29-year-old endured a challenging 45 minutes, but was able to influence the game in a big way with a fantastic header to make it 2-0.
But while Bruno and Joelinton were not at their best, Tonali stepped up as he always does. He remains the Magpies’ most important player, putting in yet another ‘unreal’ performance underneath the lights at St James’ Park.