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Dive into Bwin’s post-match review of Newcastle United 1-2 FC Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.
In a gripping Champions League encounter, Newcastle United fell short against FC Barcelona, losing 1-2 at home. The match saw Barcelona extend their impressive run, having won four out of their last five games, while Newcastle's form has been less consistent, with this loss snapping a streak that included a win and two draws. Marcus Rashford's brace in the 58th and 67th minutes proved decisive, overshadowing Anthony Gordon's late consolation goal in the 90th minute. The result was not entirely surprising given Barcelona's recent dominance, but Newcastle's resilience, especially in the closing stages, highlighted their fighting spirit.
Despite the defeat, Newcastle showed moments of promise, particularly in their defensive organisation and late-game pressure. However, Barcelona's control of the game, evidenced by their higher possession and clinical finishing, ultimately made the difference. Rashford's performance was a standout, as he not only scored both goals but also played a pivotal role in Barcelona's attacking moves. This match underlined Barcelona's current form and Newcastle's need to find more consistency if they are to compete at this level.
The statistics from the match reflect Barcelona's dominance, with 64% possession compared to Newcastle's 36%. This possession disparity aligns well with the final scoreline, indicating Barcelona's control over the game's tempo. Interestingly, Newcastle managed more corners (6 vs. 4), suggesting they had their moments of pressure, particularly in the latter stages. The higher number of yellow cards for Barcelona (4 vs. 2) might indicate a more aggressive approach or perhaps frustration as they managed the game's closing minutes.
The successful dribbles percentage was closely contested, with Barcelona slightly ahead at 56% compared to Newcastle's 54%. This close margin in dribbling success highlights the competitive nature of the match, despite the possession difference. Overall, the statistics support the narrative of a game where Barcelona's control and efficiency in front of goal were the deciding factors.
The match's turning point came in the 58th minute when Marcus Rashford scored his first goal, breaking the deadlock and putting Barcelona in the lead. This was followed by another Rashford goal in the 67th minute, which seemed to seal the victory for the visitors. These goals were crucial, as they shifted the momentum firmly in Barcelona's favor and left Newcastle chasing the game.
Newcastle's response came late, with Anthony Gordon scoring in the 90th minute, injecting a brief moment of hope into the home fans. However, it was too little too late. The game also saw a flurry of substitutions from both sides, with Newcastle making five and Barcelona matching that number, indicating tactical adjustments and perhaps fatigue management. The yellow cards, particularly for Barcelona, suggest a game that was fiercely contested until the final whistle.
Newcastle United lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Nick Pope in goal and a backline of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento. The midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton provided a solid base, while Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes led the attack. The lineup was as expected, with no major surprises.
The impact of substitutions was notable, with Jacob Murphy, Malick Thiaw, Nick Woltemade, Joseph Willock, and Sven Botman coming on to try and change the game's course. Anthony Gordon's late goal was a highlight, but overall, the team struggled to break down Barcelona's defense until the very end. The lineup and formation showed Newcastle's intent to compete, but they were ultimately outclassed by a more clinical Barcelona side.
FC Barcelona deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Joan García between the posts and a defense consisting of Jules Koundé, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, and Gerard Martín. The midfield was anchored by Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, with Raphinha, Fermín López, and Marcus Rashford supporting Robert Lewandowski up front. The lineup was strong and balanced, with no major surprises.
Marcus Rashford's performance was the standout, as he scored both goals for Barcelona, proving to be the decisive factor in the match. Substitutions like Andreas Christensen, Ferrán Torres García, Eric García Martret, Daniel Olmo Carvajal, and Marc Casadó Torras were made to manage the game and maintain control. Rashford's brace and the team's overall performance underlined Barcelona's current form and tactical acumen.
Marcus Rashford is Bwin’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring two crucial goals in the 58th and 67th minutes, Rashford was the difference-maker in a tightly contested match. His contribution went beyond the goals, with two key passes that helped Barcelona maintain their attacking threat. Rashford's impact was undeniable, making him the standout player on the pitch.
Loss: 1-2 vs FC Barcelona (H)
Win: 2-1 vs Newcastle United (A)
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