UCL: Barcelona breeze past Newcastle 7-2 to eliminate third English side

Barcelona delivered a ruthless attacking performance to thrash Newcastle United 7-2 and seal progression into the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Spanish side, inspired by Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who both scored twice, proved too strong over two legs, ending Newcastle’s European run in emphatic fashion.

Newcastle show early fight

Eddie Howe’s side started brightly despite the intimidating atmosphere at Camp Nou, responding well each time they fell behind in a chaotic first half.

Newcastle twice levelled through Anthony Elanga after goals from Raphinha and Marc Bernal had given Barcelona the advantage.

However, Lamine Yamal restored the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, handing Barcelona a 3-2 advantage heading into the break.

Second-half collapse proves costly

Barcelona raised their tempo after the restart and quickly extended their lead through Fermin Lopez, who finished off a quick attacking move.

Newcastle’s defensive struggles became more evident as Lewandowski added two more goals, capitalising on poor marking and lapses in concentration.

Raphinha completed the rout late on, punishing a midfield error to take the tally to seven goals on the night and 8-3 on aggregate.

Defensive lapses punish Newcastle

Despite their spirited first-half display, Newcastle were undone by costly mistakes at the back, with Barcelona consistently exploiting gaps and defensive errors.

The result highlights the gap in quality at this stage of the competition, as Barcelona advanced with authority.

They will now face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals.