Madrid, March 19 – FC Barcelona advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after a dominant 8-3 victory over Newcastle United at Camp Nou, securing an aggregate score of 8-3.
Following a 1-1 draw in Newcastle last week, which left the tie closely contested, Barcelona unleashed a ruthless performance in the second half, effectively sealing the win. Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha were instrumental as the Spanish side completely dominated Newcastle after the break.
The first half was a thrilling affair, with five goals and numerous chances at both ends, according to Xinhua.
Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead in the sixth minute, capitalizing on a pass from Fermin Lopez, but Newcastle quickly responded when Anthony Elanga finished from a close angle after a diagonal pass from left-back Lewis Hall.
Barcelona restored their lead in the 18th minute, with Marc Bernal scoring from close range after Gerard Martin capitalized on loose Newcastle defending following a free kick.
Newcastle responded again as Elanga scored his second of the night, turning in after Harvey Barnes' cross took a slight deflection and fell conveniently for a simple finish.
The game continued at a fast pace. Dan Burn made a crucial block to deny Lewandowski, while Lamine Yamal missed from close range despite being in a good position to score.
Yamal made amends in first-half stoppage time, converting a penalty after Kieran Trippier fouled Raphinha.
While the first half was closely contested, the second half was entirely dominated by Barcelona.
Fermin Lopez made it 4-2 after Lewandowski played him through on goal. Lewandowski then added a fifth with a header from Raphinha's corner while Newcastle was briefly down to 10 men after Sandro Tonali went off with a thigh injury.
Lewandowski scored again on the hour mark, finishing from a fine pass by Yamal, before Raphinha completed the scoring after Joe Willock's costly error.
With the result secured, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was able to make changes and rest key players ahead of the weekend.
