Tonali scores first Newcastle brace to earn Magpies EFL Cup semi-final | OneFootball

Sandro Tonali was in the spotlight during Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Brentford in the EFL Cup quarter-finals as he scored twice inside the opening 45 minutes to pave the way for his side’s qualification for the semi-finals.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Newcastle player Sandro Tonali looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Borussia Dortmund at St. James Park on October 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Tonali scores first-ever Newcastle brace in EFL Cup tie against Brentford

The Italy international opened the scoring after nine minutes with a precise low drive from outside the box to net his first seasonal goal for the Magpies, as he had only delivered two assists in the Premier League and EFL Cup, respectively, since returning from his gambling ban in late August.

The former Milan midfielder doubled his side’s lead minutes before the half-time break with a stunning volley by perfectly meeting Anthony Gordon’s corner kick.

It was his first-ever brace for Newcastle, and it came at a particularly significant moment of his St James Stadium spell, just days away from reports suggesting he may be considering a return to Serie A, with Milan and Juventus potentially interested, although his agent denied such rumours.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC, in Newcastle, Britain, 02 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos, ‘live’ services or NFTs. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Fabian Schar added a third in the second half before Brentford’s late consolation goal, setting up a clash between Newcastle and Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-finals.