Newcastle United collapsed in embarrassing fashion to lose 7-2 (8-3 aggregate) to Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.
An Anthony Elanga brace had given a spirited Newcastle United hope in the first half, even if Eddie Howe’s side went into the break 3-2 down after a late Lamine Yamal penalty.
Still, Barca went through the gears in the second half and destroyed Newcastle, who could not stop giving cheap goals away.
Which Newcastle player are you most annoyed with after losing to Barcelona – and why? 😡
Newcastle United players look dejected after conceding against FC Barcelona in the Champions League.
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
While losing to this Barca team is no disgrace, the manner in which Newcastle capitulated and caused their own problems with shambolic defending was hugely frustrating.
Here’s how Geordie Boot Boys rated the players.
Aaron Ramsdale – 5
A few decent saves to keep the scoreline in single figures.
Kieran Trippier – 3
Lucky to have avoided a red card when bringing down Raphinha for the penalty. Not a good night for Trippier at all.
Should not play against Sunderland on Sunday.
Dan Burn – 7
Fantastic block to deny Robert Lewandowski in the first half. Was let down by his teammates for the first goal.
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Malick Thiaw – 4
Thiaw does not look like the player he was a few months ago. Beaten all ends up far too often as Barca tore the Magpies apart.
Lewis Hall – 8
So unlucky to slip in the build-up to Raphinha’s opening goal but that did not impact him. As ever, Hall was brilliant, and his roles in both Elanga goals cannot be forgotten.
He just gets better and better.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Tireless until, well, he tired.
Tonali was brilliant in the first half but could surely have done better for the Fermin Lopez goal. Taken off with an injury, which is a major blow.
Jacob Ramsey – 5
Major mistake to allow Raphinha to score the seventh. Was anonymous before that, too.
Joelinton – 7
Typically industrious but couldn’t get into the game. Was perhaps lucky to have avoided a red card.
Anthony Elanga celebrates after scoring for Newcastle United against FC Barcelona.
Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images
Anthony Elanga – 8
Hopefully his coming of age moment. Not everything came off for him but the Swede’s first goal was a finish of real quality, while the second showed a great instinct.
Impressive to step up after so much criticism.
Anthony Gordon – 5
Did almost nothing of note, albeit he didn’t have that much service. Gordon simply has to do more.
Harvey Barnes – 7
Caused Barca real problems, and combined with Hall well. Great assist for Elanga’s second.
Subs:
Joe Willock – 5
Sven Botman – 5
Jacob Murphy – 5
Tino Livramento – 5
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