Three talking points from Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle as Hansi Flick’s side cruise into Champions League quarter-finals

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images As full a Camp Nou as possible for the first Champions League knockout game back at Barcelona’s famous home with supporters present since before Covid, is what greeted the players as they walked out on Wednesday night. Barca were looking to progress from a Champions League knockout tie that they’d drawn the first leg of for an 11th straight time, and with an average of 3.

1 goals in the last 16 Champions League games at home, the pressure was all on Newcastle. However, the Magpies had already avoided defeat at both Paris Saint-Germain and Leverkusen, despite going behind in both games, so the game wasn’t likely to be a walkover for the hosts. Let’s take a look at three talking points from the game… Ups and downs from Lamine Yamal In the first half, particularly, we saw the full range from Lamine Yamal.

A brilliantly taken penalty, some excellent interplay and always on the front foot, the youngster does things that make you forget he’s just 18 years of age. However, a ridiculous attempt at a backheel, which got the punishment it deserved, ought to have seen him dug out by Hansi Flick at half time. There’s a time and a place for that kind of showboating, and it was neither the time nor the place.

A right-footed shot over the bar when it looked easier to score completed his topsy-turvy opening 45. During the second half, however, it was vintage Lamine, and his misdemeanours will quickly be forgotten as a result. Nervy back line and injury to Joan Garcia Even before Ronald Araujo came on for Eric Garcia, Barca’s back line was being opened up with ease.