if it is not so Lamin YamalIts Rafinha. If it’s not Raphinha, it’s fermin lopez. And if it’s not Fermin, based on the evidence 7-2 defeat on Wednesday against newcastle unitedThis, once again, could be Robert Lewandowskiwho rediscovered their scoring form barcelona attacked them Premier League Spotify protest at Camp Nou.
It was a performance from Hansi Flick who demonstrated the attacking skills that make him a real candidate for his first win uefa champions league In a decade. The 8–3 aggregate win saw them safely through to the quarterfinals against any Atletico Madrid Or Tottenham HotspurBut more importantly, it was a party everyone was invited to.
Yamal converted a penalty and assisted two more goals, Raphinha scored two more goals, Fermin had a goal and an assist and Lewandowski had a much-needed brace after three games without a goal. teenage midfielder mark bernal He was also on target for the fifth time in his last nine appearances.
It all happened on a night when Barça played their first Champions League knockout tie since 2019 with fans at the Camp Nou on Spotify. The combination of the pandemic and the move to the Olympic Stadium for two years meant it had been seven years since they had played a game of this stature in their own stadium in front of their own support. The atmosphere of the renovated ground, which will not be completed until 2028, was captivating at times. This felt important as Barça looked to win the tournament for the first time since 2015.
Raphinha said after the game, “We have had big nights, but with both levels fully open and a crowd of up to 60,000, this was the first time.” “With the fans supporting us like this, it will be difficult for anyone to beat us at home.”
Potential future opponents in the competition will once again have some expectations from the defence. Newcastle really played their part in this encounter, both in the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last week and in the first half here. They twice came from behind, taking advantage of poor play from Barça, including a badly executed Yamal back-heel on the edge of their own box, to equalize in a thrilling opening 45 minutes.
Anthony Elanga Having scored only once since joining the Magpies last summer, he scored both goals as Barca’s weakness at the back was exposed. They have now conceded two or more goals in four of their last seven knockout games at home in the Champions League – four against Paris Saint Germain twice, three against inter Milan And now two from Eddie Howe.
However, after clawing their way back into the game, Newcastle fell behind again at the break when Yamal scored from the spot. They were then brutally taken apart in the second half by one of the best attacking teams in Europe.
The tie was over by the hour mark. Newcastle didn’t defend well at times, but it’s hard to blame them when they have Yamal and Raphinha running with the ball and Firmin running in behind. It was Fermin, who received a nice pass from Raphinha, who made the score 4–2 early in the second period. He now has 10 goals (six goals and four assists) in the Champions League this season.
Sandro TonaliThere were doubts over his fitness before the game, then injury ruled him out of Newcastle and it looked as if the program was over. Still, perhaps they did not expect to suffer such a widespread blow.
First, Lewandowski headed in a Raphinha corner; Then it ended quietly after Yamal’s brilliant work. poland The striker is now the oldest player to score twice in a Champions League match, surpassing Filippo Inzaghi.
At 37, Lewandowski is, it would be fair to say, the old man on this team. Three teenagers started– pau cubarsiBernal and Yamal – in a team whose average age was 25 years and 18 days. Flick – who has spent just under €90 million on transfer fees for new players in his two years in charge – has built a team for the present and the future. Even Raphinha, 29, is experienced compared to the rest and she was brazil The international who completed the rout by scoring the seventh after a moment to forget jacob ramseyWhich passed straight through him.
Now has 30 goals in 10 Champions League games for Barça this season. Only PSG (12 in 34) and Club Brugge (32 in 14), but both have also played more matches.
Atletico or Spurs are waiting. Possible semi-final against armory Can follow along with PSG, real Madrid And Bayern Munich All on the other side of the draw. This side has goals to reach every level. Only doubts remain behind. with Jules Conde And alejandro balde Both were injured, Barça also lost eric garcia and goalkeeper john garcia To knock against Newcastle Wojciech Szczesny Introduced late.
Luckily, Barça have a plan to combat those problems: they’ll just try and outwit you.
