All eyes were on St James’ Park as Newcastle hosted Spanish giants Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie, YankeeScores reports.
The encounter marked the second meeting between the two sides in the last six months, with Barcelona claiming a 2–1 victory back in September.
Barcelona came into the match with a strong record against English sides in the Champions League, having won 10 of their last 12 knockout games against English opposition since 2014.
Newcastle also entered the tie in good form, unbeaten in their last five Champions League matches (W3, D2) — the club’s longest-ever unbeaten run in European competition.
Eddie Howe made four changes to the Newcastle side that thrashed Qarabag 6–1 last time out, dropping Anthony Gordon, Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Nick Woltemade for Will Osula, Jacob Ramsey, Joelinton and Aaron Ramsdale in goal.
For Hansi Flick’s side, Ronald Araújo and João Cancelo came into the defence, replacing Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé, while Pedri González and Marc Bernal started in midfield ahead of Eric García and Dani Olmo, who had featured against København. The attack, however, remained unchanged.
Newcastle began the game on fire, starting on the front foot and pushing for an early breakthrough.
Just three minutes in, the hosts almost took the lead from a corner kick. Eric García fumbled Sandro Tonali’s header, but Pau Cubarsí was on hand to clear the ball off the line.
In the 16th minute, Anthony Elanga had a chance of his own, but García made a crucial save to keep Barcelona in the game.
Five minutes later, Raphinha delivered a beautiful ball into the box and Dan Burn nearly turned it into his own net, but the ball whiskered just wide of the post — a huge sigh of relief for the home crowd.
Elanga looked the liveliest player in the first half, constantly finding space down the left-hand side, but the 23-year-old struggled with his final decision-making.
With one minute left before halftime, Elanga darted into the box and linked up with Will Osula before going down under pressure while appealing for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. The first half ended goalless.
The second half resumed with less urgency, as both sides struggled to find rhythm.
Barcelona created the first dangerous opportunity after the break when Raphinha sent in a delightful cross from the left, but Robert Lewandowski could not get a foot to it.
Eddie Howe made the first substitutions of the match, taking off Kieran Trippier, Anthony Elanga and Will Osula for Jacob Murphy, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon as he looked to increase the pressure.
The changes almost paid off three minutes later when Murphy found himself in space after a Lewis Hall cross, but he failed to convert from close range.
Hansi Flick responded with changes of his own, introducing Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo for Pedri and Lewandowski, who had endured a quiet evening.
Marc Casadó also replaced Marc Bernal following what appeared to be an injury.
Newcastle nearly grabbed the opener in the 74th minute after good work from Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy. Harvey Barnes struck the crossbar before Joelinton fired home the rebound, but the Brazilian was flagged offside.
Both sides continued to threaten as the game approached its closing stages.
With just five minutes left in regulation time, Newcastle finally broke the deadlock.
Jacob Murphy delivered a delightful cross into the box and Harvey Barnes finished from close range to put the hosts ahead. It was Barnes’ 14th goal of the season.
Flick reacted immediately, making a double substitution by bringing on Ferran Torres and Xavi Espart for Ronald Araújo and Fermín López.
With four minutes remaining, Newcastle looked set to seal the victory, but Barcelona refused to give up.
Dani Olmo drove into the penalty area and was brought down by Malick Thiaw, prompting referee Marco Guida to point to the spot.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal stepped up and calmly sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way, rescuing a dramatic draw at the death.
Heartbreaking scenes for Newcastle United.
Both sides will meet again next Wednesday at the Camp Nou in Spain for the second leg, where a place in the quarter-finals will be decided.
