Barcelona Salvage 1-1 Draw at Newcastle After Yamal’s Stoppage-Time Penalty

FC Barcelona avoided defeat against Newcastle United after Lamine Yamal scored a dramatic last-minute penalty in their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash on Tuesday.

Newcastle appeared on course for a famous win when Harvey Barnes found the net in the 86th minute at St. James’ Park.

Barcelona struggled to impose themselves for much of the contest under coach Hansi Flick, but the game changed deep into stoppage time when Dani Olmo was tripped by Malick Thiaw inside the penalty box.

Yamal stepped up and confidently sent goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way to level the match with the final kick.

Newcastle had earlier missed the attacking presence of Anthony Gordon, who started on the bench because of illness despite being one of the competition’s top scorers this season.

The hosts had several chances to take the lead earlier, including a header from Sandro Tonali that forced a save from Joan Garcia before Pau Cubarsí cleared the ball off the line.

Barcelona’s best opportunity before the equaliser came when Robert Lewandowski missed from close range after a cross from Raphinha.

The tie remains open ahead of the return leg on March 18, where Newcastle will need a strong performance away to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.

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