Manager Eddie Howe speaks after Newcastle's heaviest defeat in European history

Newcastle United concluded their Champions League journey with a heavy 2-7 defeat against Barcelona on March 19th – the team's most significant loss in the history of European cup competitions.

Newcastle started well by scoring two goals at Camp Nou in the first half thanks to Anthony Elanga, thereby canceling out the opening goals from Raphinha and Marc Bernal.

However, a successful penalty by Lamine Yamal just before halftime allowed Barcelona to regain a 3-2 lead. In the second half, the home team at Camp Nou completely dominated.

Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski with a double, and another goal from Raphinha helped Barcelona secure a convincing entry into the quarter-finals, while Newcastle disappointingly stopped in their first appearance at the Champions League knockout stage.

Speaking after the match, Manager Eddie Howe frankly admitted that Newcastle could not maintain the defensive quality they showed in the previous match against Chelsea.

“Today's defense did not reach the level we previously demonstrated just days ago against Chelsea. Everything started from the first conceded goal, when two players slipped. Then came the set-piece situation, and perhaps the biggest turning point was the penalty.”

Nevertheless, we played very well in the first half. I think the team performed excellently in many aspects, and that truly provided a clear picture of how we want to play.”

The English strategist believes that if Newcastle had maintained their defensive ability at their true level, they could have even entered halftime with a lead.

“If we defended closer to our actual standard, I think Newcastle could have been ahead after the first half. In the second half, we couldn't sustain that level of energy.

“And when the match almost slipped out of control, we also reacted poorly at that moment. Therefore, the second half became extremely difficult. Even when we dropped deeper, played more defensively, and tried to narrow the space, it didn't really help us.”

After being eliminated from the Champions League, Newcastle will now focus entirely on the Premier League race, aiming to secure a return to European competition next season.

Eddie Howe's team will return to their home ground, St James' Park, to host their major rival Sunderland this weekend, in a derby considered particularly significant for the city's fans.

Despite the severe result against Barcelona, Howe still tried to find positive aspects from his players' performance.

“Although today's score was harsh and a painful experience, witnessing the players perform as in the first half and executing about 90% of what we wanted still provides a very positive feeling.

I understand that the score will make people only see the defeat, but at least in the first 45 minutes, that result did not accurately reflect what we demonstrated.”

When asked about the match against Sunderland, Howe emphasized:

“It's a huge match. For me, it's difficult to talk too much about it right now. We only have one way: to go out and play as if our lives depend on that match.

It's a match of great significance for the city, for the fans, and for everyone connected to the club. We understand that, understood it before the first leg, and now understand it even more. Therefore, we must quickly overcome this defeat and look forward to Sunday.”

Currently, Newcastle are ranked 9th in the Premier League with 8 rounds remaining in the season