Newcastle United were defeated 2-1 by Barcelona in their return to the Champions League but it should have been so different.
Roared on by a raucous St. James’ Park crowd, Newcastle United got off to a thunderous start as they hounded Barcelona in their opening Champions League clash.
An electric Anthony Elanga created several great chances, but Eddie Howe’s side failed to take one and Barcelona gradually wrestled back control, ensuring the opening half ended goalless.
Newcastle created more good openings without capitalising and you got the sense they’d regret that, which is just what happened when Marcus Rashford scored with their first good chance.
Then Rashford smashed in a sensational goal into the top corner to seemingly kill the game but Anthony Gordon did strike late on to give late hope.
Here’s how the players rated.
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Nick Pope – 6
Strong in a challenge with Robert Lewandowski in his only first-half action. Could do nothing about either goal and made a fine save late on.
Kieran Trippier – 8
A fantastic performance, as Kieran Trippier continues to show how valuable he is, even with old legs. He was up against a game Rashford but met him stride for stride and won most of their duels, with one particular piece of recovery defending after a loose Harvey Barnes header very impressive.
When on the ball, his forward passing to unleash Elanga was always pitch-perfect. His clipped balls forward were brilliant to watch.
If he had a left foot, he might have scored after hesitating to shoot in a great position.
Fabian Schar – 7
Set the tone with a thunderous early clearance and went on to make several important interventions as Barca began to crank up the pressure, throwing himself in front of shots, heading out crosses and winning the ball.
Undid his good work when he left Rashford space to score his header. He should have been taken off before that, though, after taking a bullet of a shot to the head and only did so after the goal.
Dan Burn – 6
Fortunate his yellow card for a rash challenge on the touchline wasn’t more. Some well-timed tackles but was twisted into a pretzel by Raphinha in the lead up to the opening goal.
Tino Livramento – 7
Was tasked with pressing very high up the field, so naturally got caught out on a couple of occasions but defended strongly against Raphinha. A couple of strange mistakes on the ball but they didn’t prove costly.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
Yet another captain’s display from Bruno Guimaraes, who hustled and harried throughout the match. Wasn’t able to get on the ball as much as usual, as Newcastle looked to go long, but threatening when he managed to do so in advanced positions.
Tried to drag Newcastle back into the game late on.
Sandro Tonali – 6
One of the toughest games he’ll ever have up against Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Femin Lopez and understandably couldn’t stamp his authority on proceedings as he usually does and wasn’t as involved in possession.
Worked tirelessly to close down space and disrupt the play, but Barca did manage to pass their way through on a few occasions.
Joelinton – 7
You’d have thought this was a game for Joelinton’s physicality but, while he didn’t shy away from that, the Brazilian was surprisingly classy on the ball in tight spaces against a talented Barca midfield and played it forward really well.
Could have been better in the final third, though, and headed one good chance wide.
Anthony Elanga – 9
Absolutely electrifying. Easily Newcastle’s best player and had Barcelona’s defence petrified with his scorching pace. Should have had at least two assists from the excellent chances he created and was Newcastle’s driving force up the field.
The fact that every other Newcastle player looked to pass him the ball as soon as they got it speaks to how good he was. Baffling that he was taken off.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Crucial to Newcastle’s good start with his relentless pressing, but Newcastle clearly lacked cutting edge with him leading the line. His airshot when Elanga put the ball on a plate was particularly agonising and he offered little presence or threat in the final third.
That was until he slotted in in the 89th minute. Still, his goal doesn’t change how the rest of the game played out.
You feel Nick Woltemade would have converted one of the chances Elanga created if he had started instead and Newcastle might have won. It’s a decision Howe may well regret.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Buzzing movement and got himself in several dangerous positions, especially when Elanga teed him up with a golden chance that he failed to convert. A threat but wasn’t clinical enough.
Substitutes
Nick Woltemade – 7
Some good touches and hold-up play, and he was instrumental in creating the goal with a lovely through ball.
Jacob Murphy – 7
Yet another assist to his name with a perfectly-weighted cross.
Joe Willock – 5
Some nice play on the ball but not great passing forward.
Malick Thiaw – 5
Held his own.
Sven Botman – 6
Defended well.
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