Players of Newcastle United pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Players of Newcastle United pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United 0-0 Barcelona player ratings: Here’s how William Osula, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Elanga and co have fared so far at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United are drawing 0-0 with Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 first-leg at St James’ Park - here are the half-time player ratings from the match.
Eddie Howe made three changes from the side that lost 3-1 at home to Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday with Dan Burn, Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey coming in for Sven Botman, Nick Woltemade and Joe Willock.
Newcastle’s top scorer Anthony Gordon, who has found the net 10 times in the Champions League so far this season, remains on the bench after suffering with illness and an ankle issue. William Osula, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes are United’s front three once again.
It’s the first time Osula has started successive games for Newcastle since he arrived at the club from Sheffield United for £10million in August 2024.
Newcastle worked hard in the first half in an attempt to find a breakthrough but it was to no avail as the sides went in goalless at the break.
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Had little to do but distributed the ball well.
Kieran Trippier - 7
Steady down the right but fell awkwardly towards the end of the first half.
Malick Thiaw - 7
Kept his composure when under pressure and has protected his goal well so far.
Dan Burn - 7
Couldn’t quite connect with Sandro Tonali’s header as Barcelona scrambled to clear the danger. Almost scored an own goal trying to cut out a low cross into the box.
Lewis Hall - 7
Did brilliantly to carry the ball forward and slip in William Osula, who couldn’t convert. Was brilliant with the ball at his feet.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Sandro Tonali - 6
Mopped things up well but lacked conviction with his passing. Booked.
Jacob Ramsey - 8
Returned to the side with some intent, winning an early corner with a good run from deep. A top-quality midfield display so far.
Joelinton - 7
Pushed high to try and put Barcelona under pressure. An enforcer in the middle of the mark.
Anthony Elanga - 7
Denied by a good save from Joan Garcia early on. Was a threat with his pace, just lacked the top quality execution. Put a decent ball in for Osula, which the forward headed over and another that just missed the forward’s foot. Hit a shot from distance straight at the Barcelona goalkeeper.
Harvey Barnes - 5
Got into some good positions down the left, but conceded possession too many occasions.
William Osula - 6
Had a good early chance but couldn’t get a convincing shot away. Headed Elanga’s cross over from close range.
Continue Reading