Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players | OneFootball

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2.

A tough – in every sense of the word – night for Newcastle United.

We were beaten by one of Europe’s elite teams. We weren’t outclassed, just beaten by the better side.

We weren’t at our absolute best but we played OK.

In the first quarter of an hour, we had Barca on the ropes, and had we taken one of our chances, the night might have turned out differently.

But Barcelona eased their way back into the match, and while never hitting the heights, they looked like what they are – champions of Spain and Champions League semi-finalists just a few months ago.

They dispossessed us time after time and kept the ball very well. They are a top, top side. We had to work exceptionally hard all over the pitch just to keep up with them. But for a lot of the game, we did.

Their two goals – the first one in particular – were defendable, and we fluffed a couple of good chances, but I’m not going to be too harsh on any of the players. They all put a shift in, we scored a lovely goal, but in the final analysis, Barca were just a bit better than we were

Nick Pope – 7

Didn’t do a lot wrong; in fact he didn’t have a lot to do.

It wasn’t as if Barcelona ever laid siege to our goal. He couldn’t do much about either of Rashford’s goals, the second of which was a world-class strike.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Was made to work extremely hard and acquitted himself quite well.

Won a few battles, lost a few. Cramped up near the end. I’m not surprised.

Fabian Schar – 6

He was doing quite well until he took a piledriver from Rashford in the face.

Hindsight says he should have been subbed off immediately, as he still looked dazed when Rashford got up to head Barca’s first. But he was competitive prior to that.

Dan Burn – 6

Another one who had to graft – and concentrate – all night. He’ll be knackered this morning.

A few good blocks, a couple of meaty tackles, and some hurried clearances. One of those helped to set up Rashford’s second.

Tino Livramento – 6

A tough night for Tino, not least because he took a couple of big whacks from Barca.

Tried his best – as always – but never looked completely at ease.

Bruno Guimaraes – 6

I don’t know if it was because he was trying too hard, or because he was facing world-class opposition, but he had a poor night by his high standards.

Too many loose passes and too many occasions where he dwelt on the ball and was dispossessed.

Sandro Tonali – 7

The pick of our midfield – industrious in attack and defence, but even his best efforts didn’t affect the game that much.

Joelinton – 6

A couple of good moments but wasn’t his usual dominant presence. Did OK but no more.

Anthony Elanga – 8

An encouraging display.

Went past his man a few times and was the only player in black and white that had Barcelona worried.

If his colleagues had finished off a couple of chances he created, the night might have turned out differently.

Anthony Gordon – 6

Got virtually no change from the Barcelona defence and there were times when the negative body language returned.

Took an absolute air shot when we were on top in the first half, but persevered, and gave us hope with a goal on 90 minutes.

Harvey Barnes – 5

Tried his best but it wasn’t good enough.

Failed with a very good opportunity a few minutes after Gordon missed his and I think his confidence dipped after that. Not his night.

Subs:

Joe Willock – 6

I said on Saturday that I liked his cameo and I thought he did OK again last night.

Tried to beat his man once too often at times but looked fresh.

He might be worth a start on Sunday if we have a lot of tired legs.

Nick Woltemade – 5

Had half an hour to influence things but Barcelona took his presence in their stride.

A nice touch in the build-up to our goal but otherwise kept under control.

Malick Thiaw – 6

I liked what I saw.

A few lovely touches, not afraid to get forward, and a bit more pace than most of our other centre-backs.

Jacob Murphy – 6

Playing with an achilles injury, apparently, so fair play for wanting to play.

Did quite well as part of a back five and laid the ball on a plate for Gordon with a perfect pass.

Sven Botman – 6

Looked quite comfortable – the damage had been done by the time he entered the fray, but he looked quite comfortable. I think he ready to start for us.

Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Thursday 18 September 2025 8pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 90

Barcelona:

Rashford 58, 67

Possession was Newcastle 36% Barcelona 64%

Total shots were Newcastle 10 Barcelona 19

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Barcelona 5

Corners were Newcastle 6 Barcelona 4

Touches in the box Newcastle 28 Barcelona 38

Newcastle team v Barcelona:

Pope, Trippier (Botman 76), Schar (Thiaw 63), Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton (Willock 62), Barnes (Woltemade 62), Gordon, Elanga (Murphy 63)

Unused subs:

Thompson, Ramsdale, Hall, Krafth, Osula, Miley, A Murphy

(BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after 2-1 Barcelona defeat – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

These seven remaining NUFC Champions League fixtures for Newcastle United:

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (kick-off 5:45pm BST)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (kick-off 8pm BST)

Wednesday 5th November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club (kick-off 8pm BST)

Tuesday 25th November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm BST)

Wednesday 10th December: Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United (kick-off 8pm BST)