Israel Oluyemi
FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, a Spain international, has scored a stoppage-time penalty that earned his team a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie at St James’ Park.
Newcastle moved ahead in the 86th minute when Harvey Barnes met a cross from Jacob Murphy and fired a volley into the net.
The home side had earlier threatened Barcelona’s defence through the pace of Barnes, Anthony Elanga and William Osula.
Joelinton also put the ball in the net after Barnes struck the post, but the assistant referee ruled the effort offside.
Barcelona created a few chances during the match, although Robert Lewandowski came close when he stretched to reach a cross from Raphinha.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Dani Olmo drove into the penalty area and drew a foul from Malick Thiaw.
Yamal stepped forward and struck the penalty into the corner while Aaron Ramsdale dived the wrong way.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised his players’ display despite the late equaliser.
“I thought we were outstanding, a really good performance against a very good team,” Howe said.
He added, “We maintained our intensity, which is difficult to sustain against them for long periods in the game.”
Defender Lewis Hall admitted the late goal dampened the mood in the dressing room.
“If you entered our dressing room after the match, you would think we had lost by how quiet it was,” Hall said.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged Newcastle’s strong performance but welcomed the result ahead of the return leg.
The second leg will take place in Barcelona on March 18.