Hansi Flick watched on as Barcelona were a clear second best to Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s team were excellent.
By a distance the better team and just couldn’t put the goals on top of that performance.
That is until the 86th minute when Harvey Barnes struck what looked the winner.
Only for the appalling referee who had favoured Barcelona all night, to play beyond the four minutes that had been added, which allowed the visitors to win a very late penaly.
Thiaw with the foul and Yamal scoring from the spot.
After stealing an undeserved point, Hansi Flick reacting: “We knew what to expect, coming here. Newcastle United are particularly good at transitions. We can do better with the ball and that played into their hands to a certain extent. We know we can do better but we are evolving.”
All eyes now on the second leg in eight days time.
Hansi Flick a relieved man, to go into the decider on level terms: “I’m happy we scored the goal and came back. It wasn’t a great game from u but we have a young team. We have to improve but we have a lot of potential. We have to make things better and we will.”
Newcastle United 1 Barcelona 1 – Wednesday 10 March 2026 8pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Barnes 86
Barcelona:
Yamal 90+6 pen
Possession was Newcastle 46% Barcelona 54%
Total shots were Newcastle 16 Barcelona 9
Shots on target were Newcastle 4 Barcelona 2
Corners were Newcastle 9 Barcelona 4
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 38 Barcelona 20
Newcastle team v Barcelona:
Ramsdale, Trippier (Livramento 67), Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton, Elanga, Barnes (Willock 91), Osula (Gordon 67), Elanga (Jacob Murphy 67)
Unused subs:
Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Woltemade, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave