Barcelona’s attacking masterclass dismantles Newcastle 7-2, securing an 8-3 aggregate win and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
BARCELONA delivered a devastating attacking performance to thrash Newcastle United 7-2 at Camp Nou, sealing an 8-3 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha each scored twice in a scintillating display. Lamine Yamal, Marc Bernal, and Fermin Lopez also found the net as the hosts ran riot in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
The five-time champions, dreaming of a first title in 11 years, showcased the firepower to make that ambition a reality. Newcastle’s historic quest for a first quarter-final berth ended in a brutal defeat.
“With the fans supporting us like that for 90 minutes it’s hard to beat us at home,” Raphinha told Movistar.
Barcelona led 3-2 at halftime after a chaotic opening period. The crucial fourth goal from Lopez early in the second half broke Newcastle’s resistance and sparked a procession.
“Scoring the fourth goal quickly after coming out helped us be calm in the game,” added Raphinha.
Buoyed by Joan Laporta’s re-election as president, Barcelona flew out of the blocks. Raphinha opened the scoring after a brilliant turn and pass from teenage star Yamal.
Newcastle hit back quickly through Anthony Elanga, but 18-year-old midfielder Bernal restored Barcelona’s lead. Yamal’s mistake then gifted possession to Newcastle, allowing Elanga to equalise again.
Lewandowski spurned two good chances before Yamal converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a Kieran Trippier foul on Raphinha, to give Barca a halftime lead.
Lopez netted the fourth soon after the restart. Lewandowski then headed home a corner, celebrating by removing the protective mask he has worn for an eye-socket fracture.
The Polish striker added a sixth with a lethal finish from a Yamal assist. Raphinha completed the rout by intercepting a Jacob Ramsey pass and slotting home for his second.
The victory marked Barcelona’s biggest at the renovated Camp Nou, with fans celebrating a Mexican wave around the stadium.
The Sun Malaysia
