In a breathtaking UEFA Champions League opener, FC Barcelona overwhelmed Newcastle United with a 2-1 masterclass.
The opening half hour saw Newcastle apply intense pressure, challenging Barcelona.
As the match progressed, Barcelona gained more control and began generating opportunities, eventually taking the lead through a Marcus Rashford header in the second half.
Rashford then increased their advantage by scoring again, putting the team in a strong position.
Newcastle managed to reduce the deficit in the final minutes, making for a dramatic ending, but Barcelona held on for the victory.
Here are the 5 things we learned:
1. Importance of Possession Control:
Barcelona learned they can dominate possession against high-energy teams like Newcastle, particularly as the game progressed.
By adopting a more patient approach after surviving Newcastle’s early pressure, they controlled the ball and dictated the tempo, highlighting the value of maintaining composure and leveraging their passing game to wear down opponents.
2. Lewandowski as the Primary Threat:
Robert Lewandowski emerged as Barcelona’s most dangerous player, creating moments of concern for Newcastle’s defense.
However, the report notes that other key attackers like Marcus Rashford and Fermin Lopez need to step up to diversify the attacking threat, indicating a reliance on Lewandowski that opponents might exploit if not addressed.
3. Adapting to High-Intensity Opponents:
Newcastle’s high-intensity, physical style, as anticipated by coach Hansi Flick, posed challenges early in the match.
Barcelona managed to stabilize and control possession as the game progressed, but they learned the importance of adapting quickly to aggressive, vertical play and competing for second balls to avoid being caught off guard.
4. Goalkeeper Joan García’s Reliability:
Joan García’s crucial save against Harvey Barnes demonstrated his importance in critical moments.
Barcelona can take confidence in their goalkeeper’s ability to make game-changing interventions, but they also learned the need to limit opponents’ clear chances, as Newcastle created dangerous opportunities through players like Anthony Elanga.
5. Need for Sharper Finishing:
Despite holding possession and attempting to exploit spaces, Barcelona’s attacking moves, particularly through Raphinha and Rashford, lacked the clinical finishing needed to convert opportunities into goals.
The team learned they must improve their precision and decisiveness in the final third to capitalize on possession against defensively solid teams like Newcastle.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
