Newcastle United faced off against Barcelona at the Nou Camp earlier this evening as they hoped to secure a good result on the road in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie. The Magpies made a slow start to the game and conceded the opening goal in the sixth minute when Raphinha found the back of the net. However, Anthony Elanga scored the leveller for the visitors in the 15th minute before Marc Bernal put Barca 2-1 ahead in the 18th minute. Elanga scored again for Newcastle just ten minutes later. Lamine Yamal restored his team’s lead via the penalty spot in the dying embers of the first half as Eddie Howe’s men were trailing 3-2 at the half-time interval.
Fermin Lopez scored for the home team in the 51st minute before Robert Lewandowski bagged a quick-fire brace. Raphinha scored Barcelona’s seventh goal in the 72nd minute as Newcastle crashed to a poor 7-2 loss on the night (8-3 on aggregate).
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player fared during the clash against Barcelona.
GK: Aaron Ramsdale – 5/10
Ramsdale made his fair share of saves but conceded seven goals this evening.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 6/10
He gave away a cheap penalty in the latter stages of the first half and was replaced at half-time.
CB: Malick Thiaw – 4/10
Thiaw did his fair share of defending, but was far from convincing on the defensive third of the field.
CB: Dan Burn – 5.5/10
He cleared the danger when needed, but failed to keep things solid at the back.
LB: Lewis Hall – 5.5/10
He caught the eye at times on the left flank and managed to secure an assist. However, he made a costly error at the back.
CM: Jacob Ramsey – 5/10
Ramsey earned possession back a few times but failed to get a foothold in the game.
CM: Sandro Tonali – 6/10
He anchored the midfield well but offered very little in the final third.
CM: Joelinton – 6/10
Joelinton earned the ball back twice and was substituted in the 63rd minute.
RW: Anthony Elanga – 7.5/10
He was a constant threat in the first half and managed to score a brace this evening.
ST: Anthony Gordon – 6/10
Gordon used his pace well at times but failed to register a goal.
LW: Harvey Barnes – 6.5/10
He managed to shine at times on the left flank and ended the game with an assist to his name.
Substitutes:
RB: Tino Livramento – 5.5/10
He struggled to keep things solid at the back.
CM: Joe Willock – 5.5/10
Willock made one good chance in the final third.
CB: Sven Botman – 6/10
He had a tough game after coming off the bench.
RW: Jacob Murphy – 6/10
Murphy made one decent chance from the right wing.
ST: William Osula – N/A
