Europa League: Newcastle go through

Published on 30/08/2012 22:44

Haris Vuckic’s first senior Newcastle goal was enough to send the Magpies into the group stage of the Europa League.

The 20-year-old Slovenia international struck with a deflected left-foot shot 21 minutes into the second leg of the club’s play-off clash with Greek side Atromitos to seal a 2-1 aggregate victory.

However, although Alan Pardew’s men dominated on the night, they were unable to kill the tie off before the final whistle and enjoyed a major 
escape when goalkeeper Tim Krul appeared to fell Chumbinho in the box two minutes 
before the break, only to see the Brazilian midfielder pick up a booking for diving.

Had it not been for the excellence of Atromitos keeper Charles Itandje, who at times was left to repel Newcastle single-handedly, the home side’s place in today’s draw in Monaco would have been assured long before the game drew to a close.

In the event, the first European fixture on Tyneside since March 2007 ended in victory for the Magpies and booked an extended stay in the tournament.