Eddie Howe watched on as Newcastle United hosted Barcelona.
The last 16 of the Champions League, a first leg at St James’ Park.
Harvey Barnes deservedly giving United the lead on 86 minutes, after the home side were easily the best team.
Only for a cruel penalty awarded when the referee allowed Barcelona to play on, beyond the four minutes that had been announced.
Eddie Howe reacting after the 1-1 draw: “I thought we were outstanding, a really, really good performance. We kept the intensity up. The moment at the end is a negative but one of our best performances. The end was tough to take. Last kick of the game. I thought we played really well. We kept them largely at bay. There weren’t many chances. Harvey’s was perhaps the first real opportunity we had in the second half but we thought we had done enough.”
I think the Newcastle United boss playing it down a bit, as I think United were even better and more dangerous than he suggests, Harvey Barnes so unlucky to see an earlier effort come back off the post with the keeper well beaten.
As for that very late Barcelona penalty award, Eddie Howe stating: “I think it is soft but Malick [Thiaw] makes contact. We had our shape, there is no way we should concede that goal. We will look at it but I don’t want it to override the 93 minutes before that in which we were quality. I thought we had enough to score before we did. The game showed we are capable but we know we probably have to give more going to their stadium. We are capable of doing it but we will need to be at our very best.”
On balance of play, I don’t think Barcelona could have complained if they had lost by at least two goals.
It wasn’t to be though.
Newcastle United now having to prepare for Chelsea away on Saturday, before the Barcelona return next Wednesday.
Eddie Howe on moving forward after this latest cruel twist: “It is my job to try and pick them up. We have unfortunately had to do that a few times this seasons but our strength of character should never be in doubt. We will be ready by the time the next game comes round. We believe in ourselves and our capability and we have shown that today. We have to believe [Newcastle can win in Barcelona], it will obviously be a completely different game, different circumstances. But we showed tonight that we can cause them problems and we have to go there and try to do the same.”