Sandro Tonali Returns as Newcastle Edges Nottingham Forest in Penalty Shootout Thriller

Newcastle United secured their spot in the Carabao Cup’s third round after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nottingham Forest, marking a significant comeback for Sandro Tonali, who returned to action following a 10-month suspension for breaching betting rules.

Tonali, the Italian midfielder whose absence has been keenly felt by the Magpies, played 60 minutes in his comeback match at the City Ground before being substituted. His return was a highlight in a tense encounter that saw Newcastle narrowly triumph 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

The match started with a bang, as Joe Willock fired Newcastle into the lead after just 18 seconds. Forest debutant Carlos Miguel parried Alexander Isak’s initial shot, only for Willock to pounce on the rebound, giving the Magpies an early advantage. Newcastle had a golden opportunity to double their lead just minutes later when Isak sent Tonali through on goal, but Miguel was quick to deny the Italian.

However, Newcastle’s bright start was dimmed when Willock, who recently returned from an Achilles injury, was forced off with what appeared to be a thigh problem. This setback was compounded when Nottingham Forest equalized through Jota Silva’s stunning half-volley, which struck the woodwork before finding the back of the net. It was a moment to remember for Silva, as he marked his first start and goal for Forest in spectacular fashion.

Forest, who introduced four debutants in the starting lineup, including Brazilian goalkeeper Carlos Miguel and Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno, showed resilience throughout the match. Elliot Anderson, a summer signing from Newcastle, almost turned the tables on his former club, but his lobbed effort narrowly missed the target.

As the game progressed, Newcastle pushed for a winner, with Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, Lewis Hall, and Anthony Gordon all coming close. But it was the penalty shootout that ultimately decided the match. After Joelinton’s spot-kick was saved by Miguel, the pressure was on Newcastle. However, Sean Longstaff calmly converted the winning penalty after both Ibrahim Sangare and Taiwo Awoniyi missed for Forest, sealing Newcastle’s progression to the next round.

Newcastle will now face League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the third round, buoyed by Tonali’s return and a hard-fought victory that tested their mettle in a high-pressure situation.

For Tonali, this match marked more than just a return; it was a statement of resilience and readiness to contribute once more to Newcastle’s ambitions. As the Magpies look ahead to their next challenge, they do so with renewed confidence and their Italian maestro back in the fold.

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