Eddie Howe proud of Newcastle despite conceding late equaliser against Barcelona

Barcelona, five-time winners of the competition, looked to be heading for defeat before Yamal stepped up in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

The teenager calmly converted from the spot, sending Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way with the final kick of the game to level the score at 1-1 and leave the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at the Camp Nou.

The late drama came after Barcelona were awarded a penalty deep into added time. Substitute Dani Olmo was brought down inside the penalty area by defender Malick Thiaw, prompting the referee to point to the spot and denying Newcastle what would have been a famous victory.

Newcastle had appeared on course for that win thanks to a late breakthrough from Harvey Barnes. The winger fired the hosts ahead in the 86th minute with a sharp first-time finish after meeting a cross from substitute Jacob Murphy. The effort slipped past Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, giving the English side a late lead.

Manager Eddie Howe had described the encounter as the biggest game in Newcastle's recent history, and for much of the evening it looked as though his side would secure a memorable result.

"I thought we were outstanding, a really, really good performance," Howe told TNT Sports.

"We kept the intensity up. The moment at the end takes that in a negative light but one of our best performances."

On the Barcelona penalty, he added: "I think it is soft but Malik makes contact.

"We had our shape, there's no way we should concede that goal. We will look at it but I don't want it override the 93 minutes before that in which we were quality.

"I thought we had enough to score before we did. The game showed we are capable but we know we probably have to give more going to their stadium. We are capable of doing it but we will need to be at our very best.

"It is my job to try and pick them up. We have unfortunately had to do that a few times this seasons but our strength of character should never be in doubt. We will be ready by the time the next game comes round.

"We believe in ourselves and our capability and we have shown that today." 

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