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Hjulmand Eyes Pivotal Win for Le Werke at Newcastle

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 11:18 GMT by The Straits Times

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Hjulmand Eyes Pivotal Newcastle Win for Rejuvenated Le Werke
(Straits Times – 27 March 2024)

The 2024‑25 UEFA Europa League group stage is shaping up to be a thriller, and the German club Bayer Le Werke’s next test comes against a Premier League side that has found its rhythm this season – Newcastle United. In a recent interview with the Straits Times, Norway’s internationally‑acclaimed goalkeeper Thomas Hjulmand said the win at St James’ Park is “critical” for Le Werke’s campaign, and the German side’s resurgence is as striking as it is timely.

A Club on the Rise

Bayer Le Werke entered the season with high hopes after the 2023‑24 Bundesliga title was snatched by Bayern. The club’s revival has been driven by a combination of tactical brilliance from manager Xabi Alonso, a fresh crop of young talent and the steady presence of a handful of key veterans. The squad, now boasting players such as Luis Diaz and Amine Messaoudi, has shown a resilience that surprised pundits after a shaky start to the campaign. According to the Straits Times’ earlier “Le Werke on the up” piece, the club’s last‑minute victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach (3‑1) was a turning point that restored confidence across the roster.

Behind the net, Hjulmand has become the linchpin of Le Werke’s defense. Having joined the club in 2020 after spells with Rosenborg and VfB Stuttgart, he brought a mix of experience and composure that has proven invaluable in high‑pressure situations. In last week’s 2‑0 win over FC Heidelberg, he made a clutch stop in the final minute, a moment that was highlighted in the club’s own match recap on the Straits Times website. Alonso praised Hjulmand’s “command of the area” and his ability to read the game – qualities that will be vital against a Newcastle attack that is hungry for points.

Newcastle United: A Side in Transition

Newcastle, under the stewardship of head coach Eddie Howe, has enjoyed a season of consistency in the Premier League, finishing fourth last year and now boasting a squad with a balanced mix of experience and youth. The club’s recent 1‑1 draw at Stamford Bridge, where they held Chelsea until the closing minutes, showcased their tactical discipline and defensive solidity. In the Straits Times’ “Newcastle’s Premier League form” article, it was noted that the team’s attack – featuring Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson – has been producing goals at a rate that could threaten any side in Europe.

However, the English club’s Europa League journey is still in its early stages. Their opener against Dinamo Bucharest ended in a 2‑0 win, but the side has yet to play an away game in the competition. For them, the fixture at Le Werke offers a first taste of hostile European opposition and a chance to prove that they can hold their own beyond the English pitch.

The Stakes: A Pivotal Group‑Stage Match

The Straits Times’ preview of the matchup emphasises that the point at Newcastle is crucial for Le Werke’s qualification hopes. Currently sitting second in their group, the German side has an extra three points over the third‑placed club, and a win would effectively put them out of reach of the playoff spot. Hjulmand acknowledged the weight of the occasion: “We’re looking for a win that will give us a real cushion in the standings. It’s a battle we’re ready to fight.”

From a tactical perspective, Alonso is likely to deploy a 4‑3‑3 formation that maximises his midfield’s control, while Hjulmand’s presence in goal will allow the defenders to push higher up the pitch. Newcastle’s front line will have to adapt to Le Werke’s aggressive pressing, and the German club will look to exploit the space left behind when Newcastle commits men forward.

Conclusion: A Moment of Opportunity

For Bayer Le Werke, a victory over Newcastle could serve as the catalyst that propels them into the knockout stages. Hjulmand’s confidence in his teammates and his own performance underlines the club’s collective ambition. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will see the match as a litmus test for their growing European pedigree.

As the Straits Times reminds its readers, the Europa League is as much about momentum as it is about skill. With Hjulmand’s eyes set on a pivotal win and Le Werke’s squad rejuvenated, the clash at St James’ Park promises to be a key chapter in this season’s European story.