Harvey Barnes believes Newcastle United are primed for a historic result against Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 second leg, following a spirited display in the first leg at St James' Park. Barnes scored an 86th-minute opener on Tuesday, only for Lamine Yamal to level from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, leaving the tie finely poised at 1-1.
Newcastle dominated large periods of the first leg, restricting Barcelona to few clear chances and frustrating their rhythm. Lewis Hall impressed at left-back against Yamal, while the hosts registered 16 shots to Barcelona's nine, with four on target compared to Barcelona's two. The expected goals for Barcelona in open play were just 0.46.
“It is still wide open,” Barnes said. “We’ve got a chance to take the game to them and see where we’re at. We’re a team full of self-belief and there are so many positives to take. Next week we’ll be bang up for it.” The winger, who has scored 14 goals this season including six in the Champions League, stressed Newcastle must show more clinical edge in the second leg.
Barnes also addressed how the team approached facing Barcelona's star-studded lineup. “You’ve got to respect the quality that they have but not respect them on the pitch,” he said. “We pressed them from minute one and tried to do that the whole game. You can’t let them come here, dictate the game and show their class. You’ve got to make it horrible and ugly for them.”
