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Newcastle United’s young guns fought back valiantly to lose 3-2 against Barcelona ahead of the main evening at St James’ Park tonight.
Newcastle United’s youngsters were never going to outplay La Masia’s finest with guile and finesse. But fight and grit almost saw these Whitley Park warriors cause a Champions League upset - hours before Eddie Howe plots the same feat.
When the draw was made a fortnight ago, Toon fans rejoiced as Barcelona came out the hat first. A tale of nostalgia going back 28 years - emotion will emanate around St James’ Park tonight.
However, there may have been a few nerves jangling around Benton as it also guaranteed the young Magpies would face La Masia’s finest - a talent factory that produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and, in a more present setting, Lamine Yamal and Pedri. And as the unfancied Toon youngsters trailed 3-0 at half-time, few gave them a chance of pulling off the impossible.
Barcelona were in cruise control, with many spectators during the interval suggesting Newcastle’s shot-callers had been given a blueprint for the club’s academy. From the outset, the contrasting English and Spanish identities were evident.
Adam Lawrence’s men took a leaf from Eddie Howe’s book by punting the ball in the corner - a new-found tactic aimed at territory. In truth, it was one of the only times they had possession in the first half.
Xavi Espart - the latest midfield technician from the La Masia conveyor belt - would not give them a kick. The 18-year-old created Barcelona’s first chance on 13 minutes, drilling across the box to thin air. That was danger sign No.1 for Lawrence’s side.
Newcastle - strangled by Catalan possession - held firm until 23 minutes when a brilliant piece of play saw Oscar Gitsau cut the ball across the box. Xavi Espart nudged ahead of every Toon defender to sneak his effort into the bottom corner.
It took going a goal down for the Magpies to go on the offensive. Fitzgerald burst down the right flank, finally getting the better of Bernabeu, before teeing up Sean Neave. However, his first-time effort from just outside the area was skewed wide.
Shane Kluivert - whose legendary father Patrick was in attendance - stung the gloves of George Mair. If the 15-year-old can take any solace from today, it was this moment straight from Nick Pope’s textbook.
Gistau turned marksman with a brutal quick-fire double shortly before half-time. As the ball came to him outside the area, a ruthless finesse shot cradled into the top corner.
Before anyone could take a breath, Gitsau had the ball in the net again - capitalising on the onrushing Mair’s error. Barca, as many expected, were coasting in the September sunshine.
Fresh impetus was required in the second half - and Newcastle found exactly that. Set pieces were always going to be key and captain Leo Shahar found the net after a brilliantly worked free-kick.
Large spells of the second half fizzled into a game of cat and mouse, with Barcelona knocking the ball about and Newcastle happy to set up on the counter-attack. Espart almost bagged his second when his shot from close range hit the post.
Seung-soo Park dazzled for the senior side in pre-season and his introduction inspired hope. He made an immediate impression, getting the ball out wide before blasting his effort over.
Kacey Wooster - another injection of energy - ultimately dragged Newcastle back into it. His brilliant strike from just outside the area arrowed into the bottom corner - with belief now rippling around Whitley Park.
For the first time all afternoon, the game was end to end. The Magpies had Barca taking a backwards step - there was only one team scoring another with eight minutes remaining.
And then the moment came. Time stood still as a ball floated across the box, with Sean Neave - a tireless figure all game - leaping in the air. His headed effort inched agonisingly wide to trigger gasps around the ground.
For now, Barca reign supreme at academy level. They were brilliant in the first half. But Newcastle - who can be proud of their valour - are on the rise and, maybe when the two clubs meet in 28 years time, the academy match-up will tell a different tale.
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