Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction | OneFootball

Newcastle 1 Barcelona 2 – Thursday 18 September 2025 8pm

Instant fan / writer reaction from some of our regular contributors on The Mag.

‘It was Barcelona at home in the Champions League, we needed to be at our best and we weren’t quite there.

A few under par performances left us a bit short but we were not outplayed and we managed to get a good goal but couldn’t get any pressure after that to try to get the equaliser.

It was great to be there, a special atmosphere on a special night and I know we lost, but other than PSG away, this could prove to be the most difficult opponent who we have to play.

It’s just brilliant to be in it, gutted with their goals and I won’t mention the fact of who scored them…

Can’t wait for the next game, happy times to be a Newcastle supporter and I intend to enjoy every moment of being back in the Champions League.’

Billy Miller:

‘These are the nights we dreamed of and although it wasn’t the result we may have hoped for, we gave the La Liga champions a decent match.

Plenty of bright moments under the lights but the lack of a functional striker possibly cost us.

Once Woltemade and Wissa are fully embedded into our system and style of play, we’re going to be a dangerous proposition for anyone.

Our fixture list is topped and tailed by the toughest matches.

It’s what we do with the six in between that will decide our destiny.’

Matt Busby said…:

‘Big chances early on went begging.

Disappointed not to have taken at least a point but Barcelona are European royalty and losing to the Catalans is nothing to be ashamed of.

Fact is, we are rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite and it’s all part of a process.

The games are coming thick and fast.

Next week we enter the League Cup as defending champions.

Let that sink in if you’re feeling down in the mouth tonight.’

Tony Mallabar:

‘Sometimes it’s ok to admit that the better team wins. Tonight was one of those games.

After last season’s heroics and the Roland leaving, there was always going to be a drop off.

But losing to Barcelona wasn’t one of them.

I’ve been full of cold since last week so straight home after the game and hopefully bright and bushy tailed for our two day sojourn to Bournemouth on Saturday.’

Greg McPeake:

‘Thought we had their number early on and was feeling confident.

A case of if only in the first half.

Second half revolves around Schar head injury and then he is at fault for the first Rashford goal.

Had to wake my daft lad up second half when we pulled that goal back.

Not to be.’

David Punton:

‘No fairytale ending, just a healthy dollop of reality.

Barcelona are stellar opposition, albeit it was a surprise that it was Marcus Rashford of all people who has done for us in what was a magnificent occasion for the club.

Harvey Barnes failing to take a massive first half chance and then some poor defending saw this one slip away. Key moments went against us.

The big question – did Eddie Howe get it wrong? Surely you have to start a big centre forward against this lot?

Gordon struggled, again, but then found himself halving the deficit before some Catalan timewasting got them over the line.

The opening night of Champions League foodball ends in narrow defeat.

A reminder of just what a tough competition it really is.’

GToon:

‘Dunno what to make of that tbh.

We didn’t seem in any trouble and then they score twice.

Hopefully that’s the built up emotion out of the way and we can get down to business next time round.

Far too many poor decisions tonight.

Tbh I’d rather we won at Bournemouth than tonight.’

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

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)