Newcastle vs Brighton: A Thrilling FA Cup Showdown

Football fans were in for a treat as Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion clashed in the FA Cup fifth-round match at St James’ Park on March 2, 2025. The game had everything you could ask for—early goals, intense battles, dramatic moments, and a finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Here’s a detailed look at how the match unfolded, key performances, and what this result means for both teams moving forward.

   Newcastle vs Brighton A Thrilling FA Cup Showdown

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Match Overview: A Battle of Equals

From the opening whistle, both teams showed their intent. Newcastle, playing in front of their home crowd, started aggressively, looking to take control early. Their efforts paid off in the 22nd minute when Alexander Isak coolly converted a penalty, putting the Magpies ahead.

However, Brighton, known for their resilience, responded just before halftime. Youngster Yankuba Minteh found the net, bringing the visitors level at 1-1 in the 45th minute.

The second half was a tense affair, with both teams pushing hard for a winner. Newcastle thought they had scored a second goal, but it was ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the home fans. To add to the drama, both teams were reduced to 10 men after a heated altercation resulted in red cards.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in regular time, the match headed into extra time, setting up a nail-biting finish.

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Team Lineups and Tactical Setups

Newcastle United (4-3-3 Formation)

Manager Eddie Howe went with his preferred attacking approach, fielding a strong lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defenders: Valentino Livramento, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Lewis Hall
• Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff
• Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

With Isak leading the attack and Bruno Guimaraes dictating the midfield, Newcastle looked to dominate possession and press high up the pitch.

Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1 Formation)

Manager Roberto De Zerbi stuck to Brighton’s well-organized and fluid style:

• Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
• Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, Pervis Estupinan
• Midfielders: Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba; Simon Adingra, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma
• Forward: Joao Pedro

Brighton’s approach focused on patient build-up play, using the pace of Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra to stretch Newcastle’s defense.

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Key Moments and Turning Points

First Half

⚽ 22nd Minute – Isak’s Ice-Cold Penalty: Newcastle earned a penalty after a reckless tackle in the box. Alexander Isak stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Bart Verbruggen, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

⚽ 45th Minute – Minteh’s Equalizer: Just before halftime, Brighton’s persistent attacks paid off. A clever through-ball found Yankuba Minteh, who finished clinically, leveling the score 1-1.

Second Half

⏳ Disallowed Goal – Newcastle’s Frustration: Newcastle thought they had taken the lead again, but VAR ruled the goal offside, much to the dismay of the St James’ Park crowd.

🟥 Red Cards – Tempers Flare: In the heat of the battle, a clash between players from both sides saw each team receive a red card, leaving both with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

   Newcastle vs Brighton A Thrilling FA Cup Showdown

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Player Performances: Who Stood Out?

🔹 Alexander Isak (Newcastle) – Newcastle’s main attacking threat, converting his penalty with composure and constantly troubling Brighton’s defense.

🔹 Yankuba Minteh (Brighton) – The young forward showed maturity beyond his years, scoring a crucial equalizer and keeping Newcastle’s backline on their toes.

🔹 Nick Pope (Newcastle) – Made several key saves, keeping Newcastle in the game during Brighton’s strong attacking phases.

🔹 Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) – Brighton’s goalkeeper showed confidence under pressure, pulling off vital stops, especially in extra time.

🔹 Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) – Controlled the midfield for Newcastle, breaking up Brighton’s attacks and initiating counterplays.

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What This Result Means for Both Teams

For Newcastle United

Newcastle have had a mixed run of form recently, with three defeats in their last six games across all competitions. A win here would have been a massive boost, but they showed resilience and fighting spirit. Manager Eddie Howe will take positives from the performance, particularly the team’s defensive solidity and attacking intensity.

For Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton came into this match on a four-game winning streak, including impressive victories over Chelsea. A draw away at Newcastle is a respectable result, and they continue to show that they can compete against top opposition.

With their attacking talent and well-organized play, Roberto De Zerbi’s men remain a dangerous team in both the FA Cup and the Premier League.

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Final Thoughts: A Match to Remember

This FA Cup clash between Newcastle and Brighton had everything—early goals, tactical battles, disallowed goals, and red cards. It was a hard-fought encounter that showcased the strengths of both teams.

While Newcastle may feel they had chances to win, Brighton’s disciplined performance ensured they stayed in the fight until the very end. As the game went into extra time, fans eagerly awaited the deciding moment that would send one team into the quarter-finals.

Who do you think deserved to win? Let us know in the comments! ⚽🔥