Late drama saves Barcelona after Newcastle thought victory was secured | OneFootball

Stoppage-time penalty changes the tie

Late drama saves Barcelona after Newcastle thought victory was secured

Barcelona scored a stoppage time penalty to draw 1–1 with Newcastle United in Champions League round of 16 first leg.

Newcastle strike first after strong second half

Barcelona secured a dramatic late draw away to Newcastle United finishing 1-1 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

The first half produced few clear chances, with both teams struggling to create danger in front of goal. The game opened up after the break, however with Newcastle showing more attacking intent in front of their home supporters.

The English side thought they had taken the lead in the 74 minute when Joelinton finished from close range after a shot from Harvey Barnes hit the post. The goal was ruled out for offside keeping the score level.

Barnes finally breaks the deadlock

Newcastle continued to push forward and eventually found the breakthrough. In the 85 minute, Jacob Murphy delivered precise pass into the box where Barnes was left unmarked and finished calmly to give the home side a deserved lead.

Barcelona struggled to respond as the match moved into stoppage time, with Newcastle appearing close to a valuable victory in the first leg.

Yamal saves Barcelona at the last moment

Just as the match seemed over, Barcelona were handed a lifeline. In the fifth minute of added time, Malick Thiaw brought down substitute Dani Olmo inside the penalty area.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot giving Barcelona chance to equalize. Young star Lamine Yamal stepped up and converted the penalty in the 96th minute securing crucial away draw for the Spanish club.

Second leg set for Camp Nou

The result leaves the tie wide open ahead of the second leg which will take place at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday 18 March.

Barcelona will now look to use home advantage to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.