Newcastle v Barcelona: Entertaining first half at St James’ Park ends goalless

Newcastle and Barcelona played out an entertaining but goalless first half in their Champions League clash at St James’ Park. 

Magpies manager Eddie Howe had said when the draw was made the tie had a “magical” feel to it. 

And while the first 45 did not quite live up to that billing, it was nonetheless an intriguing spectacle in the north east, with Howe’s men for large spells being the better side. 

Anthony Gordon squandered a great chance from the lively Anthony Elanga’s cross inside the first 10 minutes, while Dan Burn was perhaps lucky to escape with only a yellow after a strong challenge on Jules Kounde.

It remains goalless at the break. ⏸️ pic.twitter.com/TpH7ep9mGl

But overall, the Newcastle boss can take plenty of positives from a strong first-half showing against the LaLiga giants.

In the absence of teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, who is missing through injury, Hansi Flick named Marcus Rashford in the starting team but the Catalan club have carved out very few genuine chances.