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Alan Shearer was “disappointed” to see Newcastle United chase a second goal instead of seeing out a comfortable 1-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday evening – ultimately paying the price for doing so.
Following a close-fought first-half, the Magpies were able to chip away at Barca’s defence and eventually take the lead through Harvey Barnes’ 86th-minute strike. From there, it seemed like a case of protect the lead and head into next week’s last 16 second-leg clash at the Camp Nou with an advantage.
However, Shearer did not see that from his former club, claiming that United were searching for a second goal to pile the pressure on the La Liga giants next Wednesday. Unfortunately, it was a move that ultimately proved detrimental, with Barcelona equalising with the last kick of the game.
Dani Olmo was brought down by Malick Thiaw in Aaron Ramsdale’s area late into stoppage time, with referee Marco Guida immediately pointing towards the penalty spot. From there, Lamine Yamal converted with composure to level matters and ensure a level playing field for next week’s all important second leg.
And speaking to Gabby Logan in the aftermath of the game, Shearer gave a brutal verdict on what he saw from the club he spent the majority of his professional footballing career with. Working on punditry for Amazon Prime Video, he said: “They done so many things right tonight, Gabby.
“They defended really, really well. They stopped that front three, who are excellent as we know.
“They created chances but they didn’t take them, but when the big one came along they did. And I’m thinking, ‘Just protect the game and take to Barcelona with what you’ve got.’
“Even when Eddie [Howe] was telling Dan Burn to go forward with four, five minutes left, I was thinking, ‘Maybe not, just sit on your lead.’ I don’t know, I think it was pretty naïve in what they were trying to do.
“But then Barcelona pushed forward and, of course, I’ve got no complaints with the referee giving that penalty because it was. He did trip him and Newcastle have been punished in what should have been a really, really good night.
“And at times they looked comfortable, but they’ve got it all to do now next week.”
Up next for Newcastle United is a Premier League clash with Chelsea come Saturday, March 14 at Stamford Bridge.
The Magpies then return to Champions League action for a reverse with Barcelona on Spanish soil on Wednesday, 18 March.
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