When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sprinted onto a through ball in the 49th minute and slipped past Newcastle’s Nick Pope like he was still 26, the Stade Vélodrome erupted—not just because of the goal, but because it felt like history reversing course. Two minutes later, he tapped in a cross from Timothy Weah, completing a stunning turnaround that sent Olympique de Marseille to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The win wasn’t just three points—it ended a 15-year drought against English clubs, silenced doubters, and flipped Marseille’s Champions League campaign on its head.
From Desperation to Delirium
Just six minutes in, Harvey Barnes had Newcastle dreaming of a fourth straight Champions League win. His low drive from the edge of the box, after Malick Thiaw’s header was cleared off the line by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, nestled into the bottom corner. It was his fourth goal in the competition this season, and for a Newcastle side that had conceded zero goals in their last three matches, it felt like a statement.
But then came the twist.
At 49 minutes, Aubameyang—36 years old, often written off as past his prime—received a pass from Darryl Bakola, turned, and curled a shot from an impossible angle that left Pope rooted. The crowd gasped. Then roared. Four minutes later, he ghosted into the box like smoke and finished Weah’s low cross. No celebration. Just a nod. As if to say: I’ve still got this.
It was Aubameyang’s 19th and 20th Champions League goals. His 16th goal contribution in 16 games this season. And for Marseille, it was their first win over an English side since beating Chelsea 2-1 in 2010.
The Weight of History
This was the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since the 2003-04 UEFA Europa League semifinals, when Marseille won 2-0 on aggregate. Back then, Aubameyang was 15 and playing youth football in Gabon. Now, he was the man who buried their legacy under the lights of the Stade Vélodrome.
Before this match, Marseille sat 25th in the Champions League league phase with just three points from four games. Three single-goal losses. Three heartbreaks. Against Atalanta, against Benfica, against Barcelona—they’d fought hard, but couldn’t finish. Meanwhile, Newcastle had won nine straight points in the group stage after an opening loss to Barcelona, scoring nine and conceding none. They’d just beaten Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad. Everyone expected them to win.
Instead, they lost their grip.
Why This Loss Hurts More Than Most
Newcastle’s away form is now a full-blown crisis. One win in their last 11 away matches across all competitions. That’s not bad luck—it’s a pattern. They’ve scored in 12 straight games, but they’ve conceded in 10 of those 11 away outings. Against Marseille, they dominated early. Controlled possession. Forced corners. But in the final third, they looked tentative. Without Anthony Gordon—still doubtful due to injury—they lacked the cutting edge they’d shown in wins over Union SG and Athletic Bilbao.
“We had the chances,” said Eddie Howe post-match. “But you can’t give Aubameyang space like that. He’s a predator. And when he gets it, he doesn’t need much.”
Opta’s projections dropped Newcastle to the joint eleventh most likely Champions League winners. They’re now outside the top eight with only two games left. A win here would’ve put them in pole position. Instead, they’re clinging on.
Marseille’s Resurrection
For Olympique de Marseille, this was a lifeline. Under Roberto De Zerbi, they’d won just one of their last five Ligue 1 games. But in the last five home matches, they’d scored at least two goals in four of them. Nine of their last 11 games featured three or more goals. This wasn’t a fluke—it was a system clicking.
De Zerbi’s men pressed high, exploited space behind Newcastle’s fullbacks, and trusted their veteran striker to make the difference. Aubameyang’s brace wasn’t just about skill—it was about timing. He didn’t just score; he shifted momentum.
Now, with six points from five games, Marseille are no longer the team everyone expected to finish last. They’re in the mix. And with a home game against Atalanta next and a visit to Benfica looming, they’re suddenly a threat.
What’s Next?
Newcastle’s next two fixtures are brutal: a home clash with Real Madrid, then a trip to Paris Saint-Germain. If they don’t find away form fast, their Champions League campaign could end before Christmas. For Marseille, the dream is alive. A win over Atalanta on December 10 could propel them into the top eight. And with Aubameyang still scoring like a man half his age, you can’t count them out.
As the final whistle blew, the chants of “Auba! Auba!” echoed through the old stadium. It wasn’t just a win. It was a reminder: legends don’t retire—they reinvent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Aubameyang’s performance impact Marseille’s Champions League chances?
Aubameyang’s brace lifted Marseille from 25th place to sixth in the league phase, turning their campaign around after three straight one-goal losses. With six points now, they’re within striking distance of the top eight, and his 20 Champions League goals make him a rare asset in the knockout stage. His form could be the difference between elimination and a round of 16 berth.
Why has Newcastle struggled so badly away from home?
Newcastle have won just one of their last 11 away matches across all competitions, despite scoring in 12 straight games. Their defense lacks cohesion on the road—conceding in 10 of those 11 away outings. They rely heavily on home crowd energy, and their midfield lacks the discipline to control games when trailing away from St James’ Park.
What does this result mean for Eddie Howe’s management future?
While Howe has been praised for his tactical flexibility, this defeat adds pressure. Newcastle’s away form is now a major concern, and failing to qualify from the group stage after a strong start could lead to scrutiny. His job isn’t in immediate danger, but another poor result against Real Madrid could spark fan unrest and boardroom questions.
How significant is Marseille’s win over English opposition after 15 years?
It’s huge. Marseille’s last win over an English club was against Chelsea in 2010, and since then, they’ve lost six straight matches against Premier League teams—including a 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool in 2022. This win rekindles their European identity and proves they can compete with England’s elite, even without their star players from the 2010s.
Did injuries play a role in Newcastle’s defeat?
Yes. Anthony Gordon, their most dangerous wide attacker, remained doubtful due to a hamstring issue. His pace and directness were sorely missed, especially in the second half when Marseille’s defense sat deep. Without him, Newcastle lacked the spark to break down a disciplined backline, and their final third play became predictable.
What’s the historical context between these two clubs?
The last competitive meeting was in the 2003-04 UEFA Europa League semifinals, where Marseille won 2-0 on aggregate. Since then, the clubs haven’t faced each other in Europe—making this 2025 clash a rare reunion. Marseille’s victory not only rewrites recent history but also adds a new chapter to a rivalry that’s been dormant for over two decades.
Hi there, I'm Ethan Kingswood, a sports enthusiast with a particular passion for cycling. I've been involved in the world of sports for over a decade and have gained expertise in various disciplines. My love for cycling has led me to write engaging articles and blog posts about it, sharing my knowledge and experiences with fellow cycling enthusiasts. I also enjoy participating in cycling competitions and training others to improve their skills. My ultimate goal is to inspire more people to embrace the exciting and rewarding world of cycling.