Raphinha, Lewandowski Shine as Barcelona Thrash Newcastle Out of Champions League

FC Barcelona produced a dominant display to knock out Newcastle United from the UEFA Champions League, with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski both scoring twice.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had urged his players to be brave at the Nou Camp, and his side responded well in an entertaining first half.

Barcelona took an early lead when Raphinha finished neatly after a quick exchange with Fermin Lopez. However, Newcastle replied almost immediately as Anthony Elanga tapped in from close range following a cross from Lewis Hall.

The home side went ahead again through Marc Bernal, but Newcastle showed great spirit to level once more. Harvey Barnes found Elanga at the back post, and the winger finished first-time to make it 2–2.

Barcelona regained the lead just before the break when Lamine Yamal converted a penalty after a VAR review penalised Kieran Trippier.

Despite trailing 3–2 at half-time, Newcastle were still in the tie. But the second half told a different story.

Barcelona took control shortly after the restart as Fermin Lopez finished off a fine pass from Raphinha to extend the lead. Lewandowski then scored twice, first with a header and then with a powerful finish, putting the result beyond doubt.

Raphinha completed his brace later on, taking advantage of a defensive error to seal a comprehensive win for the Spanish side.

Newcastle, who had shown promise in the first half, were undone by poor defending after the break and were left to reflect on missed opportunities.

Barcelona now move on to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur.