"We are a young team."
FC Barcelona drew 1-1 with Newcastle United in the first leg of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League round of 16 at St. James' Park in Newcastle, England, on the 11th (Korea time). A penalty by Lamine Yamal in stoppage time in the second half prevented defeat.
Newcastle controlled the flow of the match. They shook Barcelona with strong pressing and quick attacks down the flanks, and in the 41st minute of the second half Harvey Barnes finished Jacob Murphy's cross to score the opening goal.
The result was turned around right before the end of the match. In stoppage time in the second half Dani Olmo went down inside the penalty area and a penalty was awarded, and Yamal calmly converted as the kicker to level the score.
Newcastle recorded 16 shots and dominated the match, but their finishing was lacking. Barcelona were inferior in play but took a valuable draw away, and the tie will be decided in the second leg at Camp Nou.
After the match, the UEFA Champions League conveyed comments from Barcelona coach Hans Flick on its official website. Flick said, "I'm glad we scored and caught up. I can't say it was a great game for us," expressing regret.
He added, "We are a young team. We need to develop more but we have great potential. There are areas to improve, and we will do so going forward," he vowed.
He also emphasized, "I knew what kind of match it would be even before coming to Newcastle. Newcastle is particularly strong in transition. We could have handled the ball better. That aspect worked somewhat in the opponent's favor. We know we can do better, and we are still in the process of improving."
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