Newcastle United were denied a famous first-leg victory in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie after Barcelona equalised from the spot in stoppage time, with Lamine Yamal converting a penalty to make it 1-1 at St James’ Park on Tuesday.
Harvey Barnes had put the hosts ahead with four minutes remaining, finishing coolly from Jacob Murphy’s assist, only for Malick Thiaw to concede a penalty in the dying seconds by tripping Dani Olmo in the box. Yamal stepped up to convert and deny Newcastle what would have been a precious advantage heading into the second leg.
The result ends Barcelona’s four-game winning run across all competitions and leaves the tie level ahead of next week’s return fixture at the Nou Camp.
Newcastle made a bright start, with Sandro Tonali and Anthony Elanga both going close in the opening quarter-hour, forcing saves from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García. The visitors survived that early pressure and grew into the game, with Dan Burn coming close to deflecting a Fermín López delivery into his own net.
The first half remained tight, with Elanga’s cross narrowly evading William Osula at the back post as Newcastle continued to threaten without finding the decisive touch.
Newcastle continued to press after the restart, with Osula firing over from Lewis Hall’s through ball. Barcelona also created chances, but Robert Lewandowski uncharacteristically swept Raphinha’s cross wide.
Murphy came close after coming off the bench, volleying over from 12 yards. Barnes then struck the post in the 74th minute, with Joelinton’s follow-up correctly ruled out for offside.
But Barnes made no mistake four minutes from time, volleying home from Murphy’s delivery to send the Gallowgate End into celebrations.
The joy was short-lived. Thiaw’s foul on Olmo deep into stoppage time handed Yamal the chance to equalise, and the Spanish youngster converted confidently to level the tie.
Both sides will now prepare for the second leg in Catalonia next week, with the tie evenly poised.
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