Ruthless Barcelona hit seven to end Newcastle’s Champions League fairytale | OneFootball

Barcelona stormed into the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 7-2 victory over Newcastle United in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie.The Catalans delivered a ruthless second-half display that blew the visitors away at Camp Nou.

The tie had been finely poised after the first leg, and Newcastle showed early belief that they could upset the hosts on their own ground.

Barcelona struck first through Raphinha, who finished a slick attacking move to give the hosts an early advantage.

Newcastle responded well and drew level through Anthony Elanga, who arrived at the back post to convert from close range.

The hosts restored their lead when Marc Bernal reacted quickest inside the box to turn home from a set-piece situation.

Newcastle refused to fade and equalised again before the break, with Elanga grabbing his second goal after being picked out inside the area.

However, the key moment of the first half came in stoppage time when Lamine Yamal converted from the penalty spot following a VAR intervention to give Barcelona a 3-2 lead heading into the interval.

That goal shifted the momentum firmly in Barcelona’s favour and they returned for the second half with far greater control and intensity.

Within minutes of the restart, Fermin Lopez extended the lead after being released through on goal, finishing calmly to make it 4-2.

Newcastle struggled to regain their defensive shape and were punished again when Robert Lewandowski headed home from a corner.

The Polish striker added a second soon after with a composed finish inside the box as Barcelona’s dominance became overwhelming.

Raphinha then capped his performance with another goal, capitalising on a defensive error to make it seven on the night.

Barcelona’s attacking quality proved too much in the second half, as their movement and precision repeatedly exposed Newcastle’s back line.

Newcastle had threatened in the first half and showed attacking intent, but they were unable to sustain that level after the break.

The visitors’ defensive lapses and inability to contain Barcelona’s front line ultimately proved decisive.

Barcelona progress to the quarter-finals in emphatic fashion and will now face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round.

The result marks a difficult end to Newcastle’s European campaign despite a spirited showing before the interval.