Video: Tonali puts Newcastle ahead 2 minutes into crucial Champions League decider against Chelsea

Italy international Sandro Tonali was in the right place at the right time to put Newcastle United 1-0 up against Chelsea in a crucial clash in the race to finish in the Premier League top five. 

Tonali scored after just 110 seconds against Chelsea in the early Premier League kick off, which puts Newcastle into third place in the league table if the result stays as it is. Chelsea are fifth as a result. 

England international Anthony Gordon was bundled over after a bursting run forwards down Newcastle’s left wing, but with no foul given, the attack was allowed to continue, and Tonali was still up in the area when the cross came in during the second phase. 

The former Milan midfielder just had to tap into a gaping net from the edge of the six-yard box to put Newcastle in front. 

Watch: Tonali puts Newcastle 1-0 up against Chelsea  in less than two minutes 

“It’s a black and white eruption” ⚫️⚪️

Sandro Tonali opens the scoring for Newcastle Utd inside just TWO minutes

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/0DAZnctJ0i

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2025

WHAT A START FOR NEWCASTLE. 💥

Sandro Tonali gives his side the lead in the opening minutes of a HUGE match.

📺 USA Network | #NEWCHE pic.twitter.com/9d0kCtaahK

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 11, 2025

All of the top five teams in the Premier League this season will qualify for the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League in a race that currently involves Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. 

As it stands, Liverpool are the only Premier League side to have mathematically confirmed their spot in next season’s Champions League. Arsenal will join them if they win against Sunday in their match that coincidentally happens to be against the champions, Liverpool. 

All teams from Newcastle downwards will have to wait until the 37th round of fixtures at the earliest to learn their fate in terms of Champions League qualification.