Sandro Tonali Credits his Teammate as the Real Man of the Match in Newcastle’s 2–0 Win Over Athletic Bilbao

Sandro Tonali Credits his Teammate as the Real Man of the Match in Newcastle’s 2–0 Win Over Athletic Bilbao

Sandro Tonali may have been named Man of the Match in Newcastle United’s impressive 2–0 Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao, but the Italian midfielder made headlines after the game for his selfless comments. Despite being presented with the individual accolade, Tonali insisted that his teammate Malik Thiaw was the true standout performer, praising the defender’s composure, leadership, and defensive excellence that anchored the Magpies’ clean sheet.

The Champions League match at St James’ Park was more than just another tune-up game — it was an exhibition of Newcastle’s growing confidence and chemistry under Eddie Howe. He controlled the tempo with precision passing, clever positioning, and relentless energy, contributing to Newcastle’s attacking flow and overall dominance.

However, Tonali’s focus after the match wasn’t on himself. Speaking to the club’s media team, the midfielder downplayed his role and pointed to Thiaw’s defensive masterclass as the key reason behind Newcastle’s victory.

“I’m happy for the win, and it’s nice to get Man of the Match,” Tonali said with a smile. “But for me, Malik Thiaw was the best player tonight. He was solid from start to finish — every tackle, every header, every recovery. He made it easy for the rest of us to play with confidence. If it were up to me, he’d get this award instead.”

Thiaw, who joined Newcastle earlier in the summer, has quickly settled into life in the team and looks to be forming a formidable partnership at the back. Against Bilbao, he was unshakeable — reading the game superbly, cutting out passes, and staying composed under pressure. His leadership in organizing the defensive line allowed Newcastle to maintain control even when Bilbao pressed aggressively.

Eddie Howe was full of praise for both players after the match, highlighting Tonali’s humility and Thiaw’s impact. “That’s the kind of culture we want here,” Howe said. “Sandro was excellent — his energy and intelligence in midfield were key. But what he said about Malik shows the spirit in this squad. Malik was immense tonight, and for Sandro to acknowledge that tells you everything about the character we have in this dressing room.”

Newcastle’s goals came through Burn and Joelinton, both of whom took their chances clinically. But it was the defensive composure that stood out, especially as Bilbao pushed for a comeback. Fans on social media quickly echoed Tonali’s sentiment, flooding posts with praise for Thiaw’s calm and commanding display.

Tonali’s gesture, meanwhile, drew admiration from supporters and pundits alike — a display of leadership, humility, and team-first mentality. For a player still in the early stages of his Newcastle career, it was another moment that endeared him to fans.

In a game filled with quality performances, Tonali’s recognition of Thiaw’s excellence perfectly captured Newcastle’s collective mindset — one where the team’s success always comes before individual accolades.