Qudus SalihuNewcastle United cemented a seemingly unbreakable Champions League record following their commanding victory over Athletic Bilbao at St. James’ Park. The Magpies’ triumph secured a historic run of performance in the competition that many observers believe may never be matched by the club again.
The 2-0 victory over the Spanish side marked Newcastle’s third consecutive win in the 2025/2026 Champions League group stage, a feat that appears almost surreal given the club’s history in the elite tournament. This sequence of wins—including dominant performances against Union SG and Benfica—propelled them into an automatic last-sixteen qualification spot.
What makes this run truly unthinkable to break in the future is the sheer dominance displayed across these three matches: Newcastle managed this historic run without conceding a single goal. Winning three successive Champions League games without finding the back of the net marks a pinnacle of defensive and attacking efficiency that is rarely achieved, especially for a team new to the competition structure.
While the clubs share a unique history dating back to a friendly UEFA Cup tie in 1994, this recent European campaign has etched its own legendary chapter. Goals from Dan Burn and Joelinton sealed the historic night against Bilbao, confirming the team’s ruthlessness at home.
For Newcastle, reaching this level of clean-sheet dominance in the world’s toughest club competition has set an incredibly high bar. Future European excursions will always be measured against this unprecedented, flawless run of three wins and three clean sheets that has left the competition stunned.
Mustapha Sheidu
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
