Pain...but a performance to be proud of - Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona

A performance to be proud of, but a result and painful ending that sums up so much of our season, as Newcastle conceded with the last kick to draw against Barcelona.

We come away from the game slumped in our seats, wondering what could’ve been. However, that was a near faultless display against one of the best sides on the planet. A display fully deserving of the applause every player received, even if the post-match mood is mainly one of deflation. 

Harvey Barnes’ 86th-minute goal should’ve been the winner. 1-0 would’ve given us a fully deserved lead and famous Champions League victory to take to the Nou Camp week, and 2-0 wouldn’t have flattered us.

Our pressing was superb, our energy levels relentless, we bullied Barcelona, kept their star man quiet for so much of the match and didn’t sit deep too soon, chasing that second goal rather than protect the advantage Barnes’ goal gave us. We weren't just brave in possession, but there was a nice balance to us off the ball, with so many mucking in to outwork and outplay a Barca side who looked happy to settle for a 0-0 draw for much of the night.

However, football is a game of fine margins, especially at this level, and one last-minute mistake cost us. Thiaw had barely put a foot wrong before that clumsy stoppage time trip on Olmo, allowing Yamal to do the rest from the spot with his only meaningful shot on goal. 

Some will say Barcelona were poor, but we never let them settle. Lewis Hall was utterly outstanding against Yamal, reminding the world of his own limitless potential at either end of the pitch, Joelinton and Ramsey were absolutely superb, both on and off the ball in midfield, our centre-backs were aggressive and Ramsdale had to little to do. Up top, we were sometimes lacking in quality, whether it be Elanga's final ball or Osula's finishing, but their energy and commitment to the game plan couldn't be questioned. 

One man who could, however, is the referee. Marco Guida missed two blatant attempts to stop Newcastle counter attacks, allowing Yamal and Lopez to escape clear yellow cards that would've ruled the attacking duo out of next Wednesday's second leg. Instead, he booked Tonali moments later for a less cynical foul!

Gordon, our top scorer, missing out of the starting line up through illness felt like an early blow before the game had even kicked off, but Howe got so much right in response to Saturday's feeble FA Cup defeat, whether it be his starting 11, our bold approach or his second half substitutes.

A draw that feels like a defeat in many ways, but that is a reminder of how good we can be and it's only half-time in the tie. Next Wednesday's decider represents a daunting task, but play like that in Barcelona and you just never know.

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale – Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton – Elanga, Osula, Barnes

Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Gordon, Livramento, J.Murphy, Willock, Woltemade, A.Murphy, Neave

Barcelona XI: Garcia – Cancelo, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin – Pedri, Bernal, Fermin Lopez – Raphinha, Lewandowski, Yamal

Next up, a trip to Chelsea on Saturday night before Wednesday's return leg at the Nou Camp.

Keep the faith. Howay the lads!