Sandro Tonali (r) was making his first appearance since October 2023
Sandro Tonali made his comeback after a 10-month suspension as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest on penalties in the Carabao Cup.
Sean Longstaff scored the winning spot-kick after Ibrahim Sangare and Taiwo Awoniyi missed efforts for Forest.
Italy midfielder Tonali, who served his long ban for breaching betting rules, played 60 minutes at the City Ground before being replaced.
Joe Willock gave the Magpies the lead after just 18 seconds, hooking in a rebound after Forest debutant Carlos Miguel parried Alexander Isak's shot into his path.
It could have been 2-0 in the third minute when Isak sent Tonali though on goal but Miguel kept out his effort.
But Newcastle's night had its first setback when Willock, who missed the end of last season with an Achilles problem, went off with what looked to be a thigh injury.
And Forest levelled through Jota Silva's wonderful half-volley which flew in via the woodwork.
It was Jota's first start and first goal for the club. Four players made debuts from the start - Brazilian Miguel, teenage German right-back Eric da Silva Moreira, Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno and Paraguay forward Ramon Sosa.
Elliot Anderson, a summer g from Newcastle, almost scored against his former club but his lob went just wide.
Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon all had chances to win the game for the Magpies before it went to penalties.
Joelinton saw his spot-kick saved by Miguel, but all his team-mates netted theirs to send the Magpies into round three, where they are away to League Two AFC Wimbledon.
Player of the match
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport s.
