Latest: Newcastle United 0 Barcelona 0 | OneFootball

To the strains of Thunderstruck by AC/DC, a spectacular firework display lit up the night sky above St. James' Park before kick-off - and it was a lightning start from the Magpies, who forced Barcelona back in the opening exchanges.

It took until the 16th minute for that early pressure to lead to a clear opportunity, which came when Jacob Ramsey prodded the ball through to Anthony Elanga. His shot was saved by Joan García and the flag went up against the Newcastle winger, but replays suggested he was onside.

Lamine Yamal saw an effort from a tight angle pushed onto the side netting by Aaron Ramsdale but United continued to look threatening and after a nicely worked move on the right, Elanga sent over a deep cross which William Osula headed over the bar.

In the 33rd minute, Elanga popped up again as he cut inside and let fly with a low drive which was gathered by García.

Fermín López cracked in a shot, which Ramsdale fielded, after Kieran Trippier lost his footing inside his own half, but moments later Elanga beat his man on the right and flashed a low centre across goal.

The second half took some time to truly warm up but Harvey Barnes almost set the game alight as he jinked inside and shot, but goalkeeper García was equal to it.

Anthony Gordon was only fit enough for a place on the bench, having been ill in recent days. However, Dan Burn and Joelinton returned to the starting XI, while Ramsey was also back after serving a one-match suspension against Manchester City in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Lewis Hall, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, William Osula, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey

Subs not used: Nick Pope, John Ruddy, Aidan Harris, Sven Botman, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Sean Neave