A big effort and brave display from Newcastle United, but not quite enough to stop the brilliant Barcelona leaving St James’ Park with all three points on Thursday night.
The buzz around the city could be felt all afternoon, the atmosphere was electric and Wor Flags’ superb displays created a stunning spectacle once again. However, despite our best efforts, we didn’t score early when on top, Barca weathered an early storm and found two moments of quality as their technical ability shone through.
It was a first half lacking in goals, but certainly not in effort and intensity, as we flew out of the traps and pressed Barcelona ferociously from the off.
We didn’t let them settle at all and had one big early chance, seeing Elanga’s burst of pace and sharp low cross missed by Gordon, who completely failed to connect. Barnes was next to go close from Bruno’s through ball, although he had drifted offside.
Our press was incredible in the opening 20 minutes and much like our approach to that cup final win over Liverpool, as Livramento pushed up to pressure right-back Kounde, Barnes drifted inside and Burn pulled wide to take right winger Raphinha in a bid to suffocate the visitors.
At the opposite end, other than a Rashford a dummy doing Trippier on the break and a few big blocks from Schar and Burn, Barcelona created very little in the first 45, but did grow into and begin to show their quality in possession, pushing us back as the half wore on.
However, the biggest chance of the half fell to us, as more good work from Elanga saw his run and cross set up Barnes at the back post, who saw his low effort saved well by Garcia.
Joelinton and Burn both went into the book for late tackles, and the Brazilian was guilty of a few misplaced passes just as we hoped he’d set us in behind, highlighting his limited passing ability that stood out against a technically superior Barca side.
The second half kicked off with a chance for Joelinton, who headed a decent chance wide before Schar made a big block, only this time with his head and at a cost as he was soon forced off with possible concussion.
The fast start to the first half wasn’t replicated in the second and two quickfire Barcelona goals punished us badly. First a break from Bruno’s giveaway at the other end of the pitch ending in Rashford heading home on 58 minutes, then a moment of magic from the Man Utd loanee nine minutes later. Burn lost the ball and we were soon made to pay, as Rashford skipped past Tonali and smashed in off the bar from just outside the box. A stunning strike to silence St James’ Park and quickly kill off our hopes of a famous win.
In between the two goals, Howe made four changes as Woltemade, Murphy, Willock and Thiaw replaced Barnes, Elanga, Joelinton and Schar. We also saw Botman replace Trippier, who seemed to pick up a knock late on.
As our physical levels dropped, Barcelona’s technical levels went up a notch and they looked destined to see it out comfortably, with Pedri and De Jong putting on a midfield masterclass at times with their ability to keep the ball and evade pressure.
However, we were handed a late lifeline as some lovely combination play between Tonali, Bruno and Woltemade ended with Murphy crossing for Gordon to finish just before seven minutes of stoppage time was signalled.
Aside from one Tonali shot and a late throw in launched into the box, Barca saw out stoppage time well, drawing fouls and playing around some tired black and white bodies that had ran out of steam at the end of a big effort.
Seven more to go in the Champions League, lots of lessons learned and positives to take, but first a tough trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Newcastle XI (4-3-3): Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Subs: Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Botman, Thiaw, Krafth, Osula, J.Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, Willock, A.Murphy, Miley
Howay the lads!
Burn and Joelinton errors led to the 2 goals. Barnes was hopeless, he had been wasteful for the last few matches. That sums up the whole evening.
J(Quote)
Oh my word. Just given one of the elite world teams a good game and you can only find negatives. #baby
GR(Quote)
Wasteful chances in first half, much like our PL form. Such a shame Wissa out injured, first half may of been more fruitful with him playing. Second half outclassed by Barca Gordons goal aside . The BFG didn’t make much impact coming off the bench, Murphy looked great and continued assisting on the goal front.
Elanga looked good too first half as did Tonali . I have never known a player get as many head bangs as Schar, it’s quite odd.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – completely agree. Said to my mate last night that we just needed a natural goal scorer in there last night. I don’t think Wissa misses Gordon’s chance early on and there was another break away late in the first half where it’s played across the box but Barnes doesn’t gamble and get in front of the defender – I think Wissa gets a brace in that first half at least.
But there are levels in football and Barca showed why they are elite.
I think we were wrong to leave Schar on. You could see he was dazed as he was coming off and a lapse in concentration gave Rashford the space for that header.
The 2nd, you can say it was a poor clearance by Burn – but really it was just a wonderful goal 🤷🏼♂️.
We’ll have easier home ties – just gotta play the same way and we’ll get points I reckon.
On a side note – I think Big Nick ate & drank more than I did last night!! I’m amazed he came on rather than go for a nap 😦😂
Sharpy17(Quote)
“On a side note – I think Big Nick ate & drank more than I did last night!! I’m amazed he came on rather than go for a nap 😦😂”
lol🤣yeah it was like watching a tennis player .
Re Schar and Rashfords first, it’s clear Fab was dazed, should not of stayed on the pitch really.
Thought we gave them a good game tbf, just outclassed by a good side full of talent .
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – he was like Brad Pit in Ocean 11 – eating & drinking in every scene 😂.
They could have and should have replaced Schar. They need to change the approach and enforce a 10 min cool off period.
No player is going to take themselves out of the game – but if a player gets hit in the head & needs the medical team on, then they should be removed from play for 10 mins – Thiaw replaces him for that 10 mins and if he’s well enough to return that can happen.
I thought we played excellent – but we aren’t in our groove yet – particularly in the final third.
That’s obviously where most of the changes have happened this summer so it will take time.
I wish we had Wissa last night & I would like to see the Korean lad in the first team squad.
I’m guessing Hall isn’t fully fit yet either coz he was outstanding last season but has gone missing since his injury.
Sharpy17(Quote)
An incredible game, that first half was pulsating. If only we had been able to take those chances we created. Barcelona were always going to come back at us. I thought Bruno was poor but mostly our team did very well apart from the missed opportunities. Our CL run is not going to be defined by games against Barcelona and PSG, but rather against the lesser teams so let’s see what happens and enjoy the ride.
Tino was immense, Thiaw was excellent when he came on. Elanga and Murphy also great. Gordon is not a centre forward, much as he wants to be, he is not the answer ..
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – I have nothing against Rashford and get why he’s lost his way at MU when you look at the mess they are in.
But I’m gutted it was him that notched last night coz inevitably ALL of the chat is more about him & MU than it is about NUFC v Barca today.
I thought the team in the main did really well – but what’s not been mentioned much is the fans and wor flags.
I thought the atmosphere was unreal last night!! What a noise!! and the flags looked amazing.
We are on the biggest stage again playing an elite team & put on a real display on and off the pitch – we showcased NUFC brilliantly last night imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Absolutely agree Sharpy. Were you there or did you watch on tv? I was at home and watching on TV and it was incredible. Being there I imagine it was even better.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – I couldn’t get a ticket mate. I watched at home too. Frustrating coz he play so well – so much fight & spirit in that team, just lack that cutting edge up front.
I desperately want Barnes to do well coz I think there’s a real player there if he found his groove – but it’s just not happening sadly.
I’d love to know what’s happened to Hall as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Indeed mate, Barnes really had his shooting boots on last season. 9 I think wasn’t it? He seems to be a bit wayward at the moment but I agree there’s a player in there ..
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I see Minteh scored again for Brighton. PSR corruption has a lot to answer for. Another cracking player that we had to sell.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Boils my what not mate.
kimtoon(Quote)