On the evening of 10/3 at St James’ Park, Barca controlled possession for 54% but created few dangerous chances. The Catalan club had 9 shots with two on target, compared to Newcastle’s 16 shots with four on target. After Harvey Barnes scored in the 86th minute, they equalized thanks to a penalty from Lamine Yamal in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

After the match, coach Hansi Flick stated he was satisfied with the result, considering it "a very difficult match, played in a passionate atmosphere and against an energetic opponent." The German coach particularly praised the team’s defensive capability but frankly pointed out their limitations in possession.

"We didn't play well in possession, losing the ball too much, and that's exactly what Newcastle wanted", he said. "We knew they transition very quickly. This wasn't an easy game, but I am very satisfied with the team, especially the defense. We defended very well on the pitch."

Coach Hansi Flick reacts during Barca's 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England, on 10/3/2026. Photo: AS.

The 61-year-old coach also admitted that players might have been affected by fatigue after a demanding run of matches. "Perhaps we were tired, but the whole team still played with high intensity in this atmosphere and against a strong opponent. I am very satisfied with what I saw defensively, although we need to play much better in possession", Flick added.

Flick emphasized that rest is a priority during the packed fixture schedule. Barca has been eliminated from the King's Cup but must still compete intensely in two competitions: La Liga and the Champions League. On 15/3, they will return home to face Sevilla in La Liga’s 28th round before playing Newcastle again in the Champions League round of 16 second leg three days later.

"Right now, the players need to rest and prepare for Sunday’s match. We will have a few days to prepare, but not much time for rest. When playing at the level of the Champions League and La Liga, having to play every two or three days is normal", Flick stated.

Similarly to his German coach, Pau Cubarsi believed Barca defended well despite immense pressure. "We played a very good match, especially defensively. We knew playing away here is always very difficult; the atmosphere in the stadium creates immense pressure, so the whole team had to concentrate highly", the 19-year-old center-back said.

The Spanish player also mentioned the situation where his team conceded from Barnes' close-range tap-in. According to him, just a small detail in defensive organization cost Barca, and he acknowledged the club's attack was ineffective. "We didn't play well upfront. Sometimes you have to drop deep or maintain a mid-block to achieve good results", Cubarsi said, also praising Dani Olmo's contribution after coming on as a substitute, bringing new energy to the attack. It was Olmo who won the penalty for Yamal to score the equalizer.

Hong Duy (according to Mundo Deportivo)