Newcastle United endured a dismal night at Camp Nou and suffered a humiliating 7-2 defeat (8-3 on aggregate) to Barcelona. The Magpies were excellent in the first half but took a battering in the second.
The scores were 2-2 at half-time, and Eddie Howe’s men put in a superb showing. Raphinha gave the hosts the lead only for Anthony Elanga to equalise.
Barca retook the lead through Marc Bernal, but Elanga was again on target in a pulsating first half. Kieran Trippier gave away a penalty after holding Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal fired the ball past Aaron Ramsdale from the spot.
What transpired when the Tyneside outfit headed out for the second half was simply shocking. Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski (2) and Raphinha were all on target in an absolute mauling.
Newcastle came into the game full of confidence after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Howe’s defence was impressive in West London, but they were put to the sword by a ruthless Barca attack.
Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle: Thiaw tormented
Malick Thiaw was particularly poor, enduring a night to forget at Camp Nou. The German has been rock solid throughout the season, but looked a bag of nerves.
The 24-year-old made an error leading to one of the hosts’ goals. He won just one of three aerial duels, and Yamal left him floored for Raphinha’s opener.
| Malick Thiaw vs Barcelona | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Minutes played: | 90′ |
| Interceptions: | 2 |
| Clearances: | 3 |
| Blocked shots: | 2 |
| Recoveries: | 5 |
| Aerial duels (won): | 3 (1) |
| Errors leading to shot: | 1 |
| Errors leading to goal: | 1 |
Thiaw couldn’t handle the Catalans’ frontline, and there may well be questions asked of Howe’s decision to change his defence. Sven Botman started alongside the Italian in the win over Chelsea.
‘Shocker’ – Newcastle fans react
Fans weren’t impressed with Thiaw’s performance and gave a grim verdict on X. He has earned plaudits ever since arriving from AC Milan last summer but it was a tough night for the German.
One fan wrote: “Thiaw is either a 9/10 or 2/10 there’s never anything in between. He’s had a shocker tonight.”
Another added: “Malick Thiaw can’t start against Sunderland mind he has played his way out of the squad here.”
One was stunned: “7-2 after 75 minutes, Barcelona are punishing this Newcastle side & Thiaw is having a shocker out there.”
A member of the Toon Army wasn’t as surprised: “Am I the only one that think Thiaw is not that good. He switches off far too much and makes a lot of mistakes. Terrible defensive display by all tonight.”
One added: “This is horrendous defending. Thiaw has been awful.”
Another even wants the club to consider an early sale: “Sell Thiaw in the summer PLEASE.”
Thiaw will be eager to bounce back when Newcastle turn their attention to the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday (March 22nd). Howe’s men host Sunderland, looking to get revenge after a 1-0 loss at the Stadium of Light in December.
