Newcastle thrashed by Barcelona as Howe vows Champions League return
Newcastle are tracking Union SG winger Anan Khalaili and Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno to bolster full-back and wide options. No bids yet, with Bueno likelier if Wolves are relegated.
Crystal Palace have joined Newcastle in pursuing Inter’s Nicolo Barella, a ‘relentless’ midfielder, ahead of the summer window.
Newcastle’s goalkeeping debate: Nick Pope criticised for errors, Ramsdale praised for distribution and recent displays despite Barcelona rout. Call to keep Ramsdale as No 1 for rest of season to assess permanence.
Fan ratings after the 7-2 loss: Elanga 8 with two goals, Hall praised with an assist, Trippier conceded a penalty, defence of Burn and Thiaw struggled as Barca ran away after half-time.
Newcastle become only the second English side to concede seven in a European Cup/Champions League game, losing 7-2 at Barca, 8-3 agg. Howe cites a second-half dip after Yamal’s penalty.
Howe promises Newcastle will return to the Champions League after the 7-2 defeat at Barcelona. He praised a strong first half, bemoaned errors, Yamal’s VAR penalty and Tonali’s injury.
Yamal became the youngest to score 10 UCL goals, scoring a penalty as Barcelona beat Newcastle 7-2, 8-3 agg. Elanga netted twice; Lewandowski struck a brace as Barca pulled clear after the break.
After Newcastle’s UCL exit, they are still likely to double in GW33 and blank in GW34 due to Arsenal’s schedule.
Tonali went off early in the second half at Barcelona with a suspected muscular issue, leaving him a major doubt for Sunday’s Tyne–Wear derby. Howe says the midfielder is ‘fully committed’.
Analysis highlights how Barcelona repeatedly isolated Burn and Thiaw, exposing Newcastle’s centre-backs en route to the 7-2 defeat in the Champions League last 16.
Positives: vibrant first half, Elanga’s end product, Hall’s form. Negatives: second-half collapse, Tonali knock, messy finish to an otherwise encouraging European campaign.
BBC readers say Newcastle impressed in the first half, but poor defending and the pre‑HT penalty turned it. Mixed views on discipline, Premier League intensity and pride in the European run.
