Solano strike gives Magpies advantage

Partizan Belgrade 0 Newcastle 1

The midfielder claimed the only goal at the Partizan Stadium six minutes before the break, but it took fine saves from his team-mate to deny Igor Duljaj, Ivica Iliev, Nikola Malbasa and substitute Milan Stojanoski.

The Peruvian midfielder, making a club record-equalling 27th European appearance, slotted home from Laurent Robert’s cross six minutes before the break to give his side the advantage and a priceless away goal.

Newcastle were enjoying the greater share of possession with the pace of Robert and Bellamy causing problems.

But the Serbs were always dangerous on the counter and it took a good block by Bernard to keep out Igor Duljaj’s 13th-minute volley after O’Brien could only help on another cross from the lively Iliev.

Given was called upon to make his first save of the game after 27 minutes, but Nenad Dordevic’s header from an Iliev corner had neither the power nor the direction to trouble him.

Bellamy could do no better two minutes later when he met Solano’s header unmarked but powered his effort high over Kralj’s crossbar.

But the breakthrough finally came with 39 minutes gone when Speed and Robert combined well on the left for the Frenchman to cross towards Shearer, who appeared to be fouled, but Solano followed up to slot the loose ball home.

However, Given had to be at his best on the stroke of half-time to keep out Delibasic’s well-struck 20-yard effort following good work by Duljaj.

Matthaus had to find a way back into the game and made his move a the break when he sent on Drulovic in place of Duljaj.

But it was Malbasa who had a chance to equalise within seconds of the restart, only to fire his effort into the side-netting from a tight angle.

Given found himself a little busier as the second half wore on, but in general, he was left to claim a series of inaccurate crosses under little pressure.

The referee produced a spate of five yellow cards, three for Newcastle, within nine minutes as the game became increasingly untidy with the home side pushing for an equaliser.

But when their chance came 10 minutes from time, Given stood tall once again.

United’s defence lost their bearings momentarily to allow Iliev to home in on goal, but the Irishman saved with his legs and preserve his side’s lead.

Given’s work, however, was not over and he saved superbly from both Malbasa and Stojanoski in injury-time to deny Partizan an equaliser.

PARTIZAN BELGRADE: Kralj, Bajic, Dordevic, West, Cirkovic, Duljaj, Nand, Malbasa, Sasa Ilic, Delibasic, Iliev.

NEWCASTLE: Given, Griffin, Solano, O’Brien, Dyer, Shearer, Bellamy, Speed, Woodgate, Robert, Bernard.