By Our Reporter
Lamine Yamal scored a stoppage-time penalty to rescue FC Barcelona from defeat in a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie on Tuesday at St James’ Park.
Newcastle looked set for a memorable win after Harvey Barnes fired them ahead in the 86th minute. However, Barcelona were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Dani Olmo was fouled in the penalty area by Malick Thiaw. Yamal calmly converted the spot kick with the final touch of the game to level the score.
The Spanish champions struggled to create clear chances for much of the match. Robert Lewandowski came closest earlier in the second half but pushed his effort wide from a cross by Raphinha.
Newcastle, who were without key forward Anthony Gordon from the starting lineup due to illness, produced the stronger performance for long periods. They pressed aggressively and nearly scored earlier when Sandro Tonali’s header forced a goal-line clearance from Pau Cubarsí.
Barcelona also benefited from a moment of luck when a goal from Joelinton was ruled out for offside after Barnes struck the post.
Barnes eventually broke the deadlock when he finished Jacob Murphy’s cross at the back post, punishing a defensive lapse by Barcelona. But Newcastle’s advantage lasted only minutes before the late penalty handed the visitors a crucial draw.
The tie will now be decided in the second leg in Barcelona on March 18.