FC Barcelona delivered a ruthless attacking performance to dismantle Newcastle United 7-2 at the Spotify Camp Nou, sealing an emphatic 8-3 aggregate victory and advancing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Brazilian winger Raphinha led the charge with two goals and two assists in a commanding display that underlined Barcelona’s title ambitions.
The hosts made an early statement when Raphinha opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a quick exchange with Fermín López. Newcastle responded swiftly, with Anthony Elanga levelling the score after connecting with a cross from Lewis Hall.
Barcelona restored their lead through Marc Bernal, but Newcastle showed resilience as Elanga grabbed his second of the night, finishing from Harvey Barnes’ delivery to make it 2-2.
The turning point came just before half-time when 18-year-old Lamine Yamal converted a penalty following a VAR decision against Kieran Trippier for a foul on Raphinha.
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With a 3-2 lead at the break, Barcelona took full control in the second half. López extended the advantage before Robert Lewandowski struck twice in quick succession, putting the contest beyond doubt. Raphinha sealed the rout with a late goal after capitalising on a defensive lapse.
Despite a competitive first half, Newcastle struggled to contain Barcelona’s attacking intensity after the restart. Manager Eddie Howe watched his side concede four unanswered goals in a one-sided second half.
Barcelona will now face either Atlético Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a sixth European title.
For Newcastle, the heavy defeat brings an end to a notable campaign, having reached the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for only the second time in the club’s history.
