(VOICE OF NAIJA)- FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal scored a last-gasp penalty to secure a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg on Tuesday.
Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle the lead in the 86th minute, volleying home Jacob Murphy’s cross to spark celebrations among the home supporters.
However, the hosts’ joy turned to heartbreak in stoppage time when Malick Thiaw fouled Dani Olmo inside the box. Yamal calmly converted the resulting penalty.
The 18-year-old fired into the bottom corner as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale dived the wrong way, levelling the tie with virtually the final kick.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described the result as tough after his side produced a strong display against the Spanish giants.
“I thought we were outstanding, a really good performance against a very good team,” Howe told reporters after the match.
“We maintained our intensity, which is difficult to sustain against them for long periods in the game,” he added.
He said the late equaliser cast a negative shadow but should not overshadow Newcastle’s impressive display for most of the match.
Earlier, Newcastle’s Joelinton had a goal ruled out for offside after converting the rebound from Barnes’ shot that struck the post.
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The second leg will take place at FC Barcelona’s home ground on March 18.
Newcastle previously lost 2–1 to the Spanish side during the league phase earlier this season.
They reached the round of 16 through the knockout playoffs, while Barcelona qualified automatically.
Despite that, Newcastle dominated large spells of Tuesday’s encounter at St James’ Park.
The hosts troubled Barcelona’s defence with the pace of Barnes, Anthony Elanga and William Osula but failed to convert several chances.
One opportunity came when Elanga delivered a cross that narrowly evaded Osula’s outstretched leg.
Barcelona created few chances, with Robert Lewandowski coming closest when he poked Raphinha’s cross just wide in the second half.
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Ultimately, Yamal’s stoppage-time penalty ensured Barcelona head into the second leg on level terms.
Newcastle defender Lewis Hall admitted the dressing room felt subdued after conceding so late.
“If you entered our dressing room after the match, you would think we had lost by how quiet it was,” Hall said.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged Newcastle may have deserved victory but welcomed the draw.
He said the visitors struggled in possession but defended collectively to secure a crucial result ahead of the return leg.
(NAN)
