Read a full match report from the Europa League last-16 second leg between Newcastle United and Anzhi Makhachkala at St James' Park on Thursday, March 2013, kick-off 20.05 (GMT)
A goalless draw away in the first leg of European competition is never as good
as it seems on the flight back home. Although Newcastle needed to win on
their own turf to progress, Anzhi only needed a score draw to do the same.
The Russians had enough firepower to worry their hosts and Samuel Eto’o
dragged an early shot wide after running in behind the defence. Newcastle
were being stretched and they needed Steven Taylor to make three crucial
blocks, two with his feet and one with his chest to stop Lassana Diarra
strikes.
It became even harder when they lost their playmaker, Cabaye, to a groin
strain and as he limped down the tunnel, Newcastle had another let off when
Odil Ahmedov fired wide.
Taylor headed a Marveaux free-kick over just before the break, but Newcastle
had to improve dramatically in the second half. They began it well, Moussa
Sissoko heading Davide Santon’s cross narrowly over seconds after slicing a
shot.
Taylor missed an even better chance, side-footing tamely at Vladimir Gabulov
from six yards.
Suddenly St James’ Park found its voice and for the first time Anzhi looked vulnerable. Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalaz lost his head, picking up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes. From being in control, Anzhi were on the back foot.
With 20 minutes left, Pardew threw on Adam Campbell, the 18-year-old from North Shields, who has set pulses racing at Newcastle’s Academy since joining from Wallsend Boys Club as a 12-year-old. It would have been the perfect script if he could have score the winner, but it was Cheick Tioté who came closest with a fizzing shot from 25 yards before Eto’o forced a save from Elliot.
It was almost one way traffic but Newcastle could not find the goal they needed. Taylor came close with a glancing header, but with two minutes remaining Mbark Boussoufa almost won it for Anzhi when the consistently ill-disciplined Tioté conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area which he curled against the bar.
Teams in the quarter-final draw:
Basle (Switzerland)
Benfica (Portugal)
Chelsea (England)
Fanerbahce (Turkey)
Lazio (Italy)
Newcastle (England)
Rubin Kazan (Russia)
Tottenham (England)
Draw takes place today at 11.40am
Suddenly St James’ Park found its voice and for the first time Anzhi looked vulnerable. Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalaz lost his head, picking up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes. From being in control, Anzhi were on the back foot.
With 20 minutes left, Pardew threw on Adam Campbell, the 18-year-old from North Shields, who has set pulses racing at Newcastle’s Academy since joining from Wallsend Boys Club as a 12-year-old. It would have been the perfect script if he could have score the winner, but it was Cheick Tioté who came closest with a fizzing shot from 25 yards before Eto’o forced a save from Elliot.
It was almost one way traffic but Newcastle could not find the goal they needed. Taylor came close with a glancing header, but with two minutes remaining Mbark Boussoufa almost won it for Anzhi when the consistently ill-disciplined Tioté conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area which he curled against the bar.
Teams in the quarter-final draw:
Basle (Switzerland)
Benfica (Portugal)
Chelsea (England)
Fanerbahce (Turkey)
Lazio (Italy)
Newcastle (England)
Rubin Kazan (Russia)
Tottenham (England)
Draw takes place today at 11.40am
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