Newcastle U19 2-3 Athletic Club U19: Magpies continue winless start to UEFA Youth League

Newcastle Under-19s continued their winless start to their UEFA Youth League campaign as they fell to a 3-2 defeat to Athletic Club Under-19s, despite a valiant performance at the Gateshead International Stadium.

Athletic Club opened the scoring with goals from Alex Carril and Manex Lozano in the 28th and 42nd minute respectively, but Sean Neave pulled one back for the visitors with a penalty on the stroke of half time.

However, a five-minute spell in the second half was full of action, as Scott Bailey levelled the game in the 61st minute, before the visitors retook the lead within two minutes through Peio Huestamendia.

On the 64th minute, left-back Iker Quintero was sent off for a second bookable offence, but it didn’t stop the Spanish side from claiming all three points.

Sean Neave and Scott Bailey were on the scoresheet but it ends in defeat at the Gateshead International Stadium ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/zlVUCPL4zz

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) November 5, 2025

Manager Adam Lawrence made four changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Union St. Gilloise last month, including a start for 15-year-old Roman Dowell in goal.

The Spanish side opened the scoring, when Oyharcabel’s corner was met by a powerful header from Carril, who found himself unmarked near the six-yard line, to give the visitors the lead.

14 minutes later, the Basque club extended their lead, when Elijah Gift closed down Dylan Charlton and a fortunate deflection put the ball into the path of Lozano, who volleyed the ball into the far corner.

Yet, the home side were given an ideal opportunity to half the deficit, when Matheus Ferreira showcased his speed to get away from Quintero and burst into the box, before being dragged to the floor inside of the penalty area by the chasing defender.

From the resulting spot-kick, Neave stepped up to send Simon Garcia the wrong way and pull a goal back for the Magpies.

Newcastle levelled the scoring just past the hour-mark as Garcia’s ball was intercepted by Bailey, and he was allowed to make his way into the box before slotting the ball home.

But, the visitors regained their advantage two minutes later.

Lozano played an intelligent pass into Huestamendia, streaking into the box on the left-hand side and fired the ball into the roof of the net.

However, their joy was soon cut short as they were reduced to ten men, with Quintero being sent off for a second bookable offence after a strong challenge on Nieve.

Newcastle put their opponents under pressure until the end, but struggled to find a moment of quality to equalise.

Their best chance came in the dying minutes, when Seung-soo delivered a brilliant cross from the left, which was met by the head of Neave – forcing Garcia into a good low save.

STARMAN: Manex Lozano – led the Athletic Club line superbly as he contributed with a well taken goal and tidy assist.

ENTERTAINMENT: **** (4/5 stars)

Newcastle (4-3-3): Dowell; Charlton, Watts, Old, Shahar © (Waddani 90+2’), Bailey, Munda, Neave, Park, Brayson (Wooster 55’), Ferreira (Seldon 55’)

Subs: Mair (GK), Yildiz, Moran, Durrant, Bloomer, Taylor.

Athletic Club (4-4-2): Garcia; Unamuno, Larrea, Carril, Quientero, Huestamendia © (Goyogana 81’), Ezpeleta, Oyharcabel (Encinas 81’), Gift (Urzaiz 57’), Lozano (Imga 81’), Oyana (Mikel 66’).

Subs: Pagazartundua, Zarandona, Liceaga, Torres.