Toonstar, who lost 100% in the duel against Barça, must never start for Newcastle again

When Anthony Elanga scored his second equalizer within the first half, Newcastle United’s dream was not solely alive however thriving.

The Magpies confronted Barcelona as soon as once more, this time on the Camp Nou of all locations. Elanga, then again, tripled Thun’s purpose tally in 28 minutes.

Nevertheless, it quickly turned clear that Hansi Flick’s aspect had been merely taking part in with their meals when Lamine Yamal transformed a penalty to present Barcelona a 3-2 lead earlier than the break.

What began as courageous underdogs heading for an upset changed into a tricky soccer lesson for Eddie Howe and Newcastle. The Magpies had been dismantled in a manner solely England’s Gary Neville is aware of how.

What went mistaken with Newcastle and Barcelona?

Whether or not it was naivety or bravery, Howe didn’t hesitate to tackle Barcelona. As an alternative, his backline stepped up for a lot of the primary half, regardless that the velocity of Rafinha, Fermín López and Yamal may and did pose a hazard.

Within the early exchanges, the raised strains allowed Newcastle to press as they did within the house recreation. This allowed Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes to strategy Eric Garcia and hit him twice inside minutes.

But it surely additionally allowed Flick’s aspect to pounce, capitalizing on Lewis Corridor’s slip to present Raphinha the decisive lead. That appeared to be the theme of the joy within the first half. The 2 groups nearly performed a recreation of hen, pushing the road excessive and watching runners benefit from the house, finally competing for 5 factors.

Sadly, only a few changes on the break had been all Barcelona wanted to take full management. This was a typical bait-and-switch tactic from the hosts, who usually dragged in both Dan Byrne or Malik Thiau after which performed them on the again. That second runner made the distinction when Newcastle went man-to-man.

Nevertheless, amidst these tactical modifications, Barcelona’s benefit started with a mistake from Kieran Trippier simply earlier than half-time. Simply add some ambiance to an evening you’d wish to neglect.

Why Trippier ought to by no means begin for Newcastle once more

Trippier was the most important casualty as Newcastle pressed on within the first half. When the Magpies misplaced the ball, he may solely watch as Raphinha made certain to attain. The precise-back grabbed the Brazilian in a deadly try to stop a purpose.

After a VAR examine, the referee had no selection however to level to the spot. Trippier, then again, was fortunate to keep away from a crimson card. Caught at halftime, it was one of many fullback’s most disappointing performs all season.

It could be an understatement to say that Trippier left no scar on Rafinha. By the tip of the primary half, the previous Leeds United man had scored the opening purpose and received a penalty, giving his workforce the lead simply earlier than half-time.

With the Tyneweir derby on Sunday, Howe has a giant choice to make. His workforce should mud themselves off rapidly earlier than they’ll hope to keep away from a second defeat in the identical season towards their rivals.

This can be a recreation the place it’s important to see Tino Libramento begin. After Trippier’s horror present at Barcelona, ​​beginning the veteran defender may find yourself being far worse than the humiliation at Camp Nou.

Since getting back from a hamstring damage, Libramento has averaged extra profitable dribbles, extra recoveries and almost one fewer dribble per recreation than his teammates. Trippier has appeared long-legged at occasions, however the 23-year-old stays as tireless as ever and is the membership’s future. The outdated politician shall be fortunate to begin one other recreation in black and white.

Nevertheless, given Libramento’s damage issues, he would have been a starter at Barcelona and Newcastle may need endured a historic night time for good motive.