Lamine Yamal rescues late Champions League draw for Barcelona at Newcastle
Lamine Yamal converted a 94th-minute penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Harvey Barnes appeared to have secured a famous victory for the Premier League side when he steered home at the back post with five minutes of normal time remaining.
However, a rash challenge on Fermin Lopez deep into stoppage time prompted the referee to immediately point to the spot.
The teenage Spanish sensation stepped up to send goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way and deny Eddie Howe’s team a vital first-leg advantage.
Magpies rue missed opportunities
The hosts had earlier celebrated what they thought was the opening goal with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton reacted quickest to convert after a Barnes effort struck the woodwork, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.
Despite dominating promising attacking positions throughout a lively first half, the Tyneside outfit struggled to seriously test visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The blistering pace of Anthony Elanga provided a constant outlet for the home side, though a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved a recurring frustration.
Tie delicately poised for Catalonia return
At the other end, the Catalan giants created their clearest opening from open play just past the hour mark.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski stretched to meet a dangerous cross from Raphinha but could only guide his strike narrowly wide of the post under intense defensive pressure.
Marcus Rashford, who scored twice at this venue during the league phase of the competition, was introduced for the final 20 minutes but could not repeat his previous heroics against English opposition.
Instead, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall produced an impressive display to contain the electric Yamal for much of the evening, before the late defensive lapse cost his team dearly.
The late equaliser dramatically alters the complexion of the tie ahead of next week’s daunting second leg at the Nou Camp.
