RabiuAlan Shearer Hails Sandro Tonali’s Masterclass as Newcastle Dismantle Qarabag in Champions League Thriller
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has singled out Sandro Tonali for special praise after the Italian midfielder delivered a scintillating performance in the Magpies’ dominant UEFA Champions League knockout play-off victory over Qarabag FK.
In a tie that Newcastle ultimately won 9-3 on aggregate, Tonali’s display in the first leg – a stunning 6-1 thrashing in Baku – left Shearer reaching for superlatives. The former Premier League Golden Boot winner and club icon described the 25-year-old’s contribution as nothing short of a “masterclass” during his appearance on The Rest is Football podcast.
“Sandro was unplayable out there,” Shearer enthused. “From the first whistle he was everywhere – winning duels, spraying passes, and dictating the rhythm of the game. That early goal set the tone perfectly. He reacted quickest to the save and slotted it home with real composure. That’s the mark of a top-class player. For me, it was a masterclass in midfield control.”
Tonali opened the scoring inside the opening minutes when he pounced on a parried header from teammate William Osula, calmly finishing past Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski. His relentless pressing alongside Joelinton and the creative spark he provided helped Newcastle race into a commanding lead, with Anthony Gordon later grabbing four goals to break Shearer’s own club record for Champions League strikes in a single campaign.
Shearer, never one to hand out praise lightly, went further: “We’ve seen flashes of this from Tonali since he joined from Milan, but tonight everything clicked. He’s overcome so much off the pitch with that betting ban, and to come back and perform like this on the biggest stage shows incredible character. He’s not just a destroyer anymore – he’s a creator, a leader, and a goal threat. Eddie Howe has got himself a proper midfield general.”
The performance capped a superb week for the Tyneside club, who now march into the Champions League last 16 for the first time in their history. Fans on Tyneside have quickly taken Tonali to their hearts, chanting his name throughout the return leg at St James’ Park where Newcastle sealed progress with a 3-2 win.
Pundits and supporters alike agree that Tonali’s form has been transformative. His ability to break lines, shield the defence and transition play at pace has eased the burden on captain Bruno Guimarães and allowed Eddie Howe greater tactical flexibility.
Shearer concluded with a warning for the rest of the Premier League: “If Sandro keeps producing nights like that, Newcastle aren’t just challenging for Europe – they’re genuine contenders. That was as good as it gets from a central midfielder. Masterclass delivered.”
With the Premier League title race heating up and a deep European run now realistic, Tonali’s rise could prove pivotal for Newcastle’s ambitions. One thing is certain: Alan Shearer, the ultimate Geordie authority, has seen enough to declare Sandro Tonali the real deal.
Rabiu
Bangerboy