Sad to see you miss out on UCL
Alan Shearer's Return To The Toon Army
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Well done on the FA Cup win, but really unlucky about the Champions League spot, but you fought til the end!
Leading the toon army quite well aren't you.
Good job with the FA Cup! actually great.
Always next year with CL!
Good job with the FA Cup! actually great.
Always next year with CL!
Well done by getting into the Europa league final, I cant see anything but a double for newcastle. Definatly finishing in top 4 next season has to be your target, your ready to become the champions of europe.
Fantastic achievement in winning the FA Cup, and good luck in the Europa League final! 
Thank you for reading guys, I am really enjoying writing this story and I hope you are enjoying reading.
Great updates you have LFC
Europa League Final Preview
With tomorrow being the day of the Europa League Final in Turin, Italy, many English fans are getting their maps ready to find the Juventus Stadium which is the host venue of the final between English sides Newcastle United and Chelsea. With Newcastle having the chance to win the trophy for the first time since 1969, they will be playing their hearts out to get a result in the match, and win their second trophy under Alan Shearer. Chelsea, on the other hand, who won the trophy in 2012, will be looking to add another to their list, to make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Champions League last season. With both teams so close in their domestic league, pundits are predicting a very close game. So let's open your eyes a bit more as to both teams chances tomorrow, we'll give you an overview of how the teams got to this stage.
Chelsea
Chelsea began their campaign in the Europa League Playoff. They were drawn against Italian side Bologna. The first leg saw the London side win 3-0, thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Oscar and John Obi Mikel. The return leg in Italy was not as successful and ended in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea's goals coming through Polish striker Robert Lewandowski and center back John Terry.
Then came the Group Stage. Chelsea were drawn against French side AS Monaco, Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg and Dutch club Feyenoord. Chelsea managed to win five of their six matches, drawing one with Red Bull Salzburg. They scored an impressive 18 goals, and conceded just 6. They won the group by four points with AS Monaco qualifying in second place.
They faced an easier challenge in the 1st Knockout Round with a tie against Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv, with the first leg in Ukraine. They couldn't take their chances and the match ended up 0-0. The return leg in London was different, however, as Chelsea won 3-0 with the goals coming from Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Robert Lewandowski. A 3-0 aggregate score meant that Chelsea qualified for the 2nd Knockout Round.
The Second Knockout Round drew Chelsea against Club Brugge K.V.. The first leg was held in Belgium, where Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw and took a crucial away goal into the second leg. Their goal came from Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel, but they were without Brazilian Ramires for the second leg, after he was sent off. The second leg result was very comfortable for Chelsea but they had to respond well to a first half goal from their former striker Eiður Guðjohnsen. After the goal was scored, Chelsea responded excellently, scoring three before half time and one after the break to win the leg 4-1 and the tie 5-2, therefore progressing to the Quarter Final.
Sporting Lisbon, who had qualified along with Newcastle from the Group K, were Chelsea's next opposition. The first leg was held at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea comfortably winning 2-0, thanks to goals from 'wonderkid' Marco Van Ginkel and Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard. In the return leg in Portugal, an early goal from Robert Lewandowski looked to have Chelsea easily on their way to the Semis. However, two quick goals from Sporting Lisbon put them 2-1 up before half time and giving Chelsea a scare. Oscar equalized before Sporting Lisbon player Valentín Viola rounded off his hat-trick. A slight scare for Chelsea, but they managed to win the tie by 4 goals to 3 on aggregate, sealing a place in the last four.
The Semi Final saw Chelsea take on Russian club Zenit St Petersburg - Chelsea coach Luciano Spalleti would face his former club for the first time since leaving them. The first leg was to be held in England. The match went exactly to plan for Chelsea, who won the tie 3-0, the goalscorers Oscar, Lewandowski and Hazard. The second leg. Yet another scare for Chelsea. Zenit were 3-0 up with just 30 minutes on the clock. Chelsea managed to pull two back before half time, before Hulk scored his second of the game to make the score 4-2. Chelsea had reached the Final, with the aggregate score being 5-4.
They will hope that they can put these minor scares behind them as they look to win tomorrows Final against Newcastle.
They faced an easier challenge in the 1st Knockout Round with a tie against Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv, with the first leg in Ukraine. They couldn't take their chances and the match ended up 0-0. The return leg in London was different, however, as Chelsea won 3-0 with the goals coming from Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Robert Lewandowski. A 3-0 aggregate score meant that Chelsea qualified for the 2nd Knockout Round.
The Second Knockout Round drew Chelsea against Club Brugge K.V.. The first leg was held in Belgium, where Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw and took a crucial away goal into the second leg. Their goal came from Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel, but they were without Brazilian Ramires for the second leg, after he was sent off. The second leg result was very comfortable for Chelsea but they had to respond well to a first half goal from their former striker Eiður Guðjohnsen. After the goal was scored, Chelsea responded excellently, scoring three before half time and one after the break to win the leg 4-1 and the tie 5-2, therefore progressing to the Quarter Final.
Sporting Lisbon, who had qualified along with Newcastle from the Group K, were Chelsea's next opposition. The first leg was held at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea comfortably winning 2-0, thanks to goals from 'wonderkid' Marco Van Ginkel and Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard. In the return leg in Portugal, an early goal from Robert Lewandowski looked to have Chelsea easily on their way to the Semis. However, two quick goals from Sporting Lisbon put them 2-1 up before half time and giving Chelsea a scare. Oscar equalized before Sporting Lisbon player Valentín Viola rounded off his hat-trick. A slight scare for Chelsea, but they managed to win the tie by 4 goals to 3 on aggregate, sealing a place in the last four.
The Semi Final saw Chelsea take on Russian club Zenit St Petersburg - Chelsea coach Luciano Spalleti would face his former club for the first time since leaving them. The first leg was to be held in England. The match went exactly to plan for Chelsea, who won the tie 3-0, the goalscorers Oscar, Lewandowski and Hazard. The second leg. Yet another scare for Chelsea. Zenit were 3-0 up with just 30 minutes on the clock. Chelsea managed to pull two back before half time, before Hulk scored his second of the game to make the score 4-2. Chelsea had reached the Final, with the aggregate score being 5-4.
They will hope that they can put these minor scares behind them as they look to win tomorrows Final against Newcastle.
Chelsea's Star Player
Robert Lewandowski has been in good form for Chelsea since joining, scoring exactly 50 league goals in two seasons for the club. He won the Golden Boot award in his first season and can also create goals.
Newcastle United
Newcastle began their journey one stage behind Chelsea, in the Third Qualifying Round with a tie against Scottish side Motherwell. The first leg saw Newcastle make the trip to Scotland. The tie was more comfortable than they expected, with a hat-trick from Alessandro Matri and a single goal from Nicolás Gaitán. The home leg saw them win comfortably again with another goal from Matri being the highlight of the match, in which they won 3-1 with the other goals coming from Gabby Agbonlahor and Tom Cleverley. This saw them through to the stage where Chelsea started - the Europa League Playoff.
They were drawn against Polish side Legia Warszawa, with the first leg at St James's Park. Newcastle won comfortably by 2-0 after goals by Moussa Sissoko and Italian center back Davide Astori. The next leg saw them travel abroad for the first time in the competition as they headed to Poland's capital Warsaw. They managed to win the away tie 1-0 after another goal from Astori. This saw them into the Group Stage.
They were drawn against Polish side Legia Warszawa, with the first leg at St James's Park. Newcastle won comfortably by 2-0 after goals by Moussa Sissoko and Italian center back Davide Astori. The next leg saw them travel abroad for the first time in the competition as they headed to Poland's capital Warsaw. They managed to win the away tie 1-0 after another goal from Astori. This saw them into the Group Stage.
Newcastle were drawn against Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, Belgian club RC Genk and Georgian minnows Dinamo Tbilisi. They managed to pick up maximum points by winning all six games picking up 18 points. They scored 14 goals and conceded just 4, winning the group by nine points, with Sporting Lisbon qualifying alongside them.
The 1st Knockout Round drew them against AS Monaco, who finished runners-up in the same group as Chelsea. The first leg was to be held in France. Ex-Newcastle striker Papiss Cissé scored a goal for Monaco as they won 3-1, with Nicolás Gaitán scoring Newcastle's goal. The second leg in the north of England was a great turnaround for Newcastle. 2-0 up before half time, Newcastle would be going into the next round on away goals. However, Gaitán made it 3-0 after half time. However the game was not over. With 5 minutes to go, Monaco striker Falcao struck the ball into the net, taking the game to extra time. With five minutes to go in extra time, Alessandro Matri silenced the traveling fans by slashing their dreams by making it 4-1. They progressed to the next round, with the final aggregate score being 5-4.
The 2nd Knockout Round put Newcastle against Turkish side Galatasary. They visited Turkey for the first leg. After half time, Newcastle were one goal up when French midfielder Moussa Sissoko scored. Under ten minutes to go and ex-Chelsea legend Didier Drogba equalized. However Newcastle were happy to have scored an away goal. The return leg at St James's Park. Three second half goals from Tom Cleverley, Nicolás Gaitán and Gabby Agbonlahor ensured that Newcastle reached the Quarter Finals in style, with the aggregate scoreline being 4-1.
The Quarter Final saw Newcastle face an English team in the form of London club Arsenal. The first leg was held at St James's Park, where Newcastle pulled off a shock. An early goal from Alessandro Matri got The Magpies' off to a flyer before two second half goals from Fabricio Coloccini and Gabby Agbonlahor finished Arsenal off. Arsenal had a lot to do if they were to turn around the tie and it seemed they were down and out when Moussa Sissoko scored another goal in the return leg. Cheick Tioté was sent off, but Alessandro Matri doubled the lead one minute afterwards. Arsenal clawed two goals back but Sissoko scored another five minutes from time, making the aggregate score 6-2 to Newcastle.
In the Semi Final that followed, Newcastle faced their biggest challenge yet, as they faced Spanish side Atlético Madrid, with the first leg in the Spanish capital. Atlético Madrid scored the only tie of the leg when youngster Koke put the ball into the net. Deep into injury time, Madrid forward Diego Costa was sent off for an elbow on Fabricio Coloccini. Newcastle had to overturn a tie for the first time in the competition if they were to reach the final. In the leg that followed, Alessandro Matri was the hero, scoring one goal either side of the half time break to see The Magpies' through to play against fellow English side Chelsea in the Final.
The 1st Knockout Round drew them against AS Monaco, who finished runners-up in the same group as Chelsea. The first leg was to be held in France. Ex-Newcastle striker Papiss Cissé scored a goal for Monaco as they won 3-1, with Nicolás Gaitán scoring Newcastle's goal. The second leg in the north of England was a great turnaround for Newcastle. 2-0 up before half time, Newcastle would be going into the next round on away goals. However, Gaitán made it 3-0 after half time. However the game was not over. With 5 minutes to go, Monaco striker Falcao struck the ball into the net, taking the game to extra time. With five minutes to go in extra time, Alessandro Matri silenced the traveling fans by slashing their dreams by making it 4-1. They progressed to the next round, with the final aggregate score being 5-4.
The 2nd Knockout Round put Newcastle against Turkish side Galatasary. They visited Turkey for the first leg. After half time, Newcastle were one goal up when French midfielder Moussa Sissoko scored. Under ten minutes to go and ex-Chelsea legend Didier Drogba equalized. However Newcastle were happy to have scored an away goal. The return leg at St James's Park. Three second half goals from Tom Cleverley, Nicolás Gaitán and Gabby Agbonlahor ensured that Newcastle reached the Quarter Finals in style, with the aggregate scoreline being 4-1.
The Quarter Final saw Newcastle face an English team in the form of London club Arsenal. The first leg was held at St James's Park, where Newcastle pulled off a shock. An early goal from Alessandro Matri got The Magpies' off to a flyer before two second half goals from Fabricio Coloccini and Gabby Agbonlahor finished Arsenal off. Arsenal had a lot to do if they were to turn around the tie and it seemed they were down and out when Moussa Sissoko scored another goal in the return leg. Cheick Tioté was sent off, but Alessandro Matri doubled the lead one minute afterwards. Arsenal clawed two goals back but Sissoko scored another five minutes from time, making the aggregate score 6-2 to Newcastle.
In the Semi Final that followed, Newcastle faced their biggest challenge yet, as they faced Spanish side Atlético Madrid, with the first leg in the Spanish capital. Atlético Madrid scored the only tie of the leg when youngster Koke put the ball into the net. Deep into injury time, Madrid forward Diego Costa was sent off for an elbow on Fabricio Coloccini. Newcastle had to overturn a tie for the first time in the competition if they were to reach the final. In the leg that followed, Alessandro Matri was the hero, scoring one goal either side of the half time break to see The Magpies' through to play against fellow English side Chelsea in the Final.
Newcastle's Star Player
The Toon defender Davide Astori, who is the vice-captain of the club will be considered key to Newcastle's chances, with Alessandro Matri out with injury. Astori has been brilliant for Newcastle since joining last season and has made the World Team Of The Year whilst playing in the heart of their defence.
Europa League Final 2014
14.11.05. Just three days after we gave you live coverage of Newcastle's FA Cup win over Arsenal, we're back. This time, the competitions' reputation is much bigger. The sister tournament of the worlds' most famous club competition, the Champions League, you've joined us for live coverage of the UEFA Europa League Final between Newcastle and Chelsea. Chelsea, perhaps the favourites here but Newcastle have just as much chance of winning as The Blues. Newcastle have enjoyed a rise in statue over the past two seasons, since the arrival of ex-club legend Alan Shearer as manager.
Juventus Stadium is the venue for tonight's highly anticipated game and as the final set of fans take their seats in this 41,000 capacity stadium, it's time to introduce the team that have joined me, Adrian Chiles, here in Italy. I'm joined by ex-Arsenal player Lee Dixon and former Middlesborough player Gareth Southgate, who is currently the manager of Scottish side Aberdeen. Thanks for joining me chaps. It seems we've got a full house here. This is the first time Newcastle and Chelsea have played each other in this competition. The last time the two sides played each other was in the league with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams will want to get their hands on the cup, we should be in for a great game. Pundits are predicting a very tight match with not many goals being foreseen. Italian striker Alessandro Matri will miss the game due to an injury so Agbonlahor will take the front man role, with Demba Ba ineligible to play due to him being on loan from Chelsea. He didn't perform how he should have in the FA Cup Final and he will want to put that behind him tonight by playing well. After working so hard to get here, both sides will be absolutely gutted to go home with nothing to show for it. So, as we prepare for kickoff, let me hand you over to our commentary team, ex-Newcastle player Nicky Butt and former Chelsea player and Newcastle assistant manager as of the end of the season, Eiður Guðjohnsen. Take it away.
NB: Hello and welcome to to ITV Sports' live coverage of tonight's Europa League Final between Chelsea and Newcastle on a windy night here in Turin, Italy. Eiður Guðjohnsen, you sit behind me with links to both sides, with you having agreed to join Newcastle as an assistant manager at the end of the season, and of course, you were brilliant for Chelsea during your time with them. Who do you think will be victorious tonight?
EG: Thank you for the compliment Nicky. It is a very tough decision and I'm not prepared to make a call until we hear the team sheets as it will be too close. But I am completely neutral tonight. Until I officially join Newcastle, I will always carry a flame for my old club. But I can't say I want Chelsea to win, considering I will be with Newcastle in little over a month.
NB: Thanks Eiður, and what a coincidence, as I have just received the team sheets from the team downstairs. Let's start with the Chelsea team. In goal is the solid Czech keeper Petr Čech, who is aging a bit but is still very reliable. Experienced fullback Ashley Cole and Rafael start with veteran center back John Terry and Brazilian David Luiz completing the back four. Another Brazilian, Ramires, sits in front of the defence alongside John Obi Mikel in the central midfield role. Just ahead of them are skillful Belgian player Eden Hazard, 'wonderkid' Marco Van Ginkel and Brazilian Oscar with Polish poacher striker Robert Lewandowski sat up front, with multiple options to supply him. Eiður, what do you think of your former teams chances heading into the match?
EG: Well Robert will cause some major problems for the defence and the defenders are going to have to play at the best of their ability to stop him. I'll tell you the Newcastle starting XI for tonight. Tim Krul, who I look forward to working with after watching him play, starts in goal. With Davide Santon failing to recover from an injury in time, and Rúben also injured, Massadio Haïdara will be given an opportunity to shine as he plays in what is undoubtedly the biggest match of his, and probably the rest of the squads' career so far. His fellow fullback Mathieu Debuchy will start on the right, with Davide Astori and Fabricio Coloccini hoping to continue their seemingly invincible partnership in the center. Vurnon Anita sits just in front of the defence in the defensive midfielder role. The central midfielders are Gaël Bigirimana and Moussa Sissoko with Tom Cleverley and Hatem Ben Arfa offering options out wide. Gabby Agbonlahor will have to perform better than he did in the Arsenal game if he is going to provide reliability up front. So that's the teams, and we've kicked off, with Newcastle here.
9': Eden Hazard picks up the ball. He's making a fantastic run here. He's taken the ball past three Newcastle players! He passes to Lewandowski, who's lurking on the edge of the area. He shoots!!! It's floated over Krul!!! But it hits the bar. So unlucky!! And the first chance of the game has been.
20': Rafael pick the ball up out here on the right flank. He takes a touch before swinging a cross in towards Lewandowski. Krul rises fantastically and punches the ball away before Anita clears it to Agbonlahor on the halfway line. Mikel gets in a fantastic tackle before playing a fantastic lofted ball to Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel takes a touch to bring the ball inside the penalty area. He unleashes a shot at goal!! But Krul tips it round the post. Decent save but a good move from Chelsea, as they continue to threaten.
24': Moussa Sissoko takes the ball forwards from the halfway line before taking a shot from 35 yards but it goes way over and Chelsea can regroup here at the goal kick.
29': David Luiz prepares for one of his trademark throw-ins. He launches the ball into the box, finds Ramires!! But he heads it ever so narrowly wide, with the Chelsea fans thinking they had taken the lead.
33': Anita plays it back to Astori. Astori's touch is too heavy and Lewandowski pounces. He's free of the defenders!! He smashes the ball low... but he puts it wide of the post! He really should have buried that one.
42': John Terry picks up the short pass from David Luiz. He drives a hopeful pass forward to Lewandowski. Great control from the Polish striker! He takes the ball into the box. Shoots.... and hits the woodwork for the second time today. How many more chances is he going to pass up?
45'+1: Eden Hazard whips in a corner. Sissoko clears it but only finds Hazard again, who hits it straight back into the box. Finds Terry... he connects with the ball but another great save from
Tim Krul denies Chelsea once more.
45'+2: The half time whistle is blown and Newcastle are hanging on by the skins of their teeth.
NB: Can Newcastle break out from Chelsea's spell of dominance? Or will Chelsea finally take their chances in the second half? We can find out now as we return to the pitch for the second half with Chelsea kicking off here.
63': Oscar is tackled by fullback Massadio Haïdara and the ball runs through to young midfielder Gaël Bigirimana. Are Newcastle about to have their first chance here? Bigirimana.... plays a brilliant through ball that has opened up the Chelsea defence! Agbonlahor has got in behind them! He shoots from a tight angle.... AND SCORES!!! NEWCASTLE'S FIRST CHANCE OF THE GAME PRODUCES A GOAL!! A SLIGHT LAPSE OF CONCENTRATION FROM CHELSEA AND THEY'RE BEHIND! CAN NEWCASTLE HOLD OFF THE CHALLENGE FROM CHELSEA?
87': Tom Cleverley wins the ball from David Luiz at the back. He takes a shot from 30 yars out but it goes into row Z. Poor shot, but the time is ticking down for Chelsea to find an equalizer. Can they do it?
90'+3: Ten seconds left here and substitute Romelu Lukaku has the ball out wide here for Chelsea. Newcastle captain Fabricio Colocinni comes across... and tackles him. The ball has gone out of play! The referee blows the final whistle and the confetti comes down on a fortunate Newcastle!!! They've defended superbly and I think Tim Krul deserves the Man Of The Match award for some brilliant saves!
Juventus Stadium is the venue for tonight's highly anticipated game and as the final set of fans take their seats in this 41,000 capacity stadium, it's time to introduce the team that have joined me, Adrian Chiles, here in Italy. I'm joined by ex-Arsenal player Lee Dixon and former Middlesborough player Gareth Southgate, who is currently the manager of Scottish side Aberdeen. Thanks for joining me chaps. It seems we've got a full house here. This is the first time Newcastle and Chelsea have played each other in this competition. The last time the two sides played each other was in the league with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams will want to get their hands on the cup, we should be in for a great game. Pundits are predicting a very tight match with not many goals being foreseen. Italian striker Alessandro Matri will miss the game due to an injury so Agbonlahor will take the front man role, with Demba Ba ineligible to play due to him being on loan from Chelsea. He didn't perform how he should have in the FA Cup Final and he will want to put that behind him tonight by playing well. After working so hard to get here, both sides will be absolutely gutted to go home with nothing to show for it. So, as we prepare for kickoff, let me hand you over to our commentary team, ex-Newcastle player Nicky Butt and former Chelsea player and Newcastle assistant manager as of the end of the season, Eiður Guðjohnsen. Take it away.
NB: Hello and welcome to to ITV Sports' live coverage of tonight's Europa League Final between Chelsea and Newcastle on a windy night here in Turin, Italy. Eiður Guðjohnsen, you sit behind me with links to both sides, with you having agreed to join Newcastle as an assistant manager at the end of the season, and of course, you were brilliant for Chelsea during your time with them. Who do you think will be victorious tonight?
EG: Thank you for the compliment Nicky. It is a very tough decision and I'm not prepared to make a call until we hear the team sheets as it will be too close. But I am completely neutral tonight. Until I officially join Newcastle, I will always carry a flame for my old club. But I can't say I want Chelsea to win, considering I will be with Newcastle in little over a month.
NB: Thanks Eiður, and what a coincidence, as I have just received the team sheets from the team downstairs. Let's start with the Chelsea team. In goal is the solid Czech keeper Petr Čech, who is aging a bit but is still very reliable. Experienced fullback Ashley Cole and Rafael start with veteran center back John Terry and Brazilian David Luiz completing the back four. Another Brazilian, Ramires, sits in front of the defence alongside John Obi Mikel in the central midfield role. Just ahead of them are skillful Belgian player Eden Hazard, 'wonderkid' Marco Van Ginkel and Brazilian Oscar with Polish poacher striker Robert Lewandowski sat up front, with multiple options to supply him. Eiður, what do you think of your former teams chances heading into the match?
EG: Well Robert will cause some major problems for the defence and the defenders are going to have to play at the best of their ability to stop him. I'll tell you the Newcastle starting XI for tonight. Tim Krul, who I look forward to working with after watching him play, starts in goal. With Davide Santon failing to recover from an injury in time, and Rúben also injured, Massadio Haïdara will be given an opportunity to shine as he plays in what is undoubtedly the biggest match of his, and probably the rest of the squads' career so far. His fellow fullback Mathieu Debuchy will start on the right, with Davide Astori and Fabricio Coloccini hoping to continue their seemingly invincible partnership in the center. Vurnon Anita sits just in front of the defence in the defensive midfielder role. The central midfielders are Gaël Bigirimana and Moussa Sissoko with Tom Cleverley and Hatem Ben Arfa offering options out wide. Gabby Agbonlahor will have to perform better than he did in the Arsenal game if he is going to provide reliability up front. So that's the teams, and we've kicked off, with Newcastle here.
9': Eden Hazard picks up the ball. He's making a fantastic run here. He's taken the ball past three Newcastle players! He passes to Lewandowski, who's lurking on the edge of the area. He shoots!!! It's floated over Krul!!! But it hits the bar. So unlucky!! And the first chance of the game has been.
20': Rafael pick the ball up out here on the right flank. He takes a touch before swinging a cross in towards Lewandowski. Krul rises fantastically and punches the ball away before Anita clears it to Agbonlahor on the halfway line. Mikel gets in a fantastic tackle before playing a fantastic lofted ball to Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel takes a touch to bring the ball inside the penalty area. He unleashes a shot at goal!! But Krul tips it round the post. Decent save but a good move from Chelsea, as they continue to threaten.
24': Moussa Sissoko takes the ball forwards from the halfway line before taking a shot from 35 yards but it goes way over and Chelsea can regroup here at the goal kick.
29': David Luiz prepares for one of his trademark throw-ins. He launches the ball into the box, finds Ramires!! But he heads it ever so narrowly wide, with the Chelsea fans thinking they had taken the lead.
33': Anita plays it back to Astori. Astori's touch is too heavy and Lewandowski pounces. He's free of the defenders!! He smashes the ball low... but he puts it wide of the post! He really should have buried that one.
42': John Terry picks up the short pass from David Luiz. He drives a hopeful pass forward to Lewandowski. Great control from the Polish striker! He takes the ball into the box. Shoots.... and hits the woodwork for the second time today. How many more chances is he going to pass up?
45'+1: Eden Hazard whips in a corner. Sissoko clears it but only finds Hazard again, who hits it straight back into the box. Finds Terry... he connects with the ball but another great save from
Tim Krul denies Chelsea once more.
45'+2: The half time whistle is blown and Newcastle are hanging on by the skins of their teeth.
NB: Can Newcastle break out from Chelsea's spell of dominance? Or will Chelsea finally take their chances in the second half? We can find out now as we return to the pitch for the second half with Chelsea kicking off here.
63': Oscar is tackled by fullback Massadio Haïdara and the ball runs through to young midfielder Gaël Bigirimana. Are Newcastle about to have their first chance here? Bigirimana.... plays a brilliant through ball that has opened up the Chelsea defence! Agbonlahor has got in behind them! He shoots from a tight angle.... AND SCORES!!! NEWCASTLE'S FIRST CHANCE OF THE GAME PRODUCES A GOAL!! A SLIGHT LAPSE OF CONCENTRATION FROM CHELSEA AND THEY'RE BEHIND! CAN NEWCASTLE HOLD OFF THE CHALLENGE FROM CHELSEA?
87': Tom Cleverley wins the ball from David Luiz at the back. He takes a shot from 30 yars out but it goes into row Z. Poor shot, but the time is ticking down for Chelsea to find an equalizer. Can they do it?
90'+3: Ten seconds left here and substitute Romelu Lukaku has the ball out wide here for Chelsea. Newcastle captain Fabricio Colocinni comes across... and tackles him. The ball has gone out of play! The referee blows the final whistle and the confetti comes down on a fortunate Newcastle!!! They've defended superbly and I think Tim Krul deserves the Man Of The Match award for some brilliant saves!
: Davide AstoriEG: THEIR FIRST EUROPA LEAGUE WIN SINCE 1969. THE NIGHT IS YOUNG FOR NEWCASTLE UNITED!! THEY WILL BE CELEBRATING INTO THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING! Their second piece of silverware in a matter of three days! The players have picked up manager Alan Shearer and are throwing him up and down! Great scenes here and you can expect the Newcastle board to be delighted with Shearer! I am delighted to have been approached by Newcastle and hope there will be more success with me as Shearer's right hand man! I feel sorry for Chelsea, who failed to take their chances after dominating the match throughout! We can expect to see Shearer and the team in the newspapers for a few days!! From me and Nicky, it's goodbye!
Congrats on the Europa League Win I like the layout of the story, Thank god to Fabricio Colocinni for making that last minute tackle to keep out that goal..
Good Luck in rest of the season (Y)
could I see how Walsall go on please
I like the layout of the story, Thank god to Fabricio Colocinni for making that last minute tackle to keep out that goal..Good Luck in rest of the season (Y)
could I see how Walsall go on please
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