Newcastle United moved a step closer to securing Champions League football next season with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at St. James’ Park. Goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães sealed a vital win for Eddie Howe’s side in a match that saw Chelsea reduced to ten men before half-time.

The two sides entered the game level on 63 points, but Newcastle wasted no time in asserting themselves. Just under two minutes after kickoff, Tonali found the net with a composed close-range finish to give the hosts an ideal start. The situation worsened for Chelsea when Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card for a reckless forearm strike on Sven Botman just ten minutes before the break.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chelsea mounted a determined response in the second half. Manager Enzo Maresca adjusted tactically, deploying Cole Palmer as a false nine — a move that helped the visitors find their rhythm. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was called into action multiple times, pulling off strong saves to deny both Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. Reece James also missed a significant chance as Chelsea pushed for an equalizer.

Newcastle’s defense held firm under mounting pressure, with hometown hero Dan Burn delivering a standout performance at the back. As the game entered stoppage time, the hosts put the result beyond doubt when Guimarães struck from distance. His shot deflected off Malo Gusto and looped over Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, sparking jubilant scenes around the stadium.

The win takes Newcastle three points ahead of Chelsea and just one behind Arsenal, placing them in a commanding position in the race for a top-four finish. With only two matches remaining — away to Arsenal and then at home to Everton — the Magpies have their Champions League destiny in their own hands.

This victory adds to what has already been a remarkable season for Newcastle. In March, they ended a decades-long wait for domestic silverware by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, marking their first major trophy since 1955 and first success of any kind since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

The celebrations at the final whistle reflected the significance of this latest win, as the team and supporters alike sensed that their long-awaited return to Europe’s elite competition is now within reach. If Newcastle can carry their momentum through their final two fixtures, they are poised to complete one of the most impressive campaigns in the club’s modern history.