FC Barcelona were able to get the better of Newcastle United as they visited the North of England for their UEFA Champions League opener last night. The two sides played quite an exciting game, but it was the Catalans who got the full three points with a 1-2 win.
However, the home side had its fair share of chances, which they could have taken to get an early lead, and put significant pressure on the Blaugrana side. They failed to take advantage of these chances and ultimately suffered defeat.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Newcastle United coach, Eddie Howe, lamented his team not taking its chances as he spoke to the press after the match. In this regard, the English coach said:
“It was a good performance, but not a great one, and to beat Barcelona, you need that. We had two big chances, but we couldn’t take them.”
Howe went on to claim that his team always remained alive in the game, despite going 2-0 down at one point:
“We were really into it. We never felt out of it. I’m disappointed we didn’t score the first goal. It was crucial. It was a display of bravery and enthusiasm, but maybe we lacked the quality needed to win.”
Howe also expressed frustration with the manner in which Marcus Rashford’s goals were conceded.
“I think we could have defended better against them, especially the first goal. The second goal was an incredible finish, but we’re disappointed with how the ball reached him.”
The manager was also asked about his decision to leave Nick Woltemade out of the starting eleven.
“Any player would want to start, but I have to make decisions and make sure the players stay fit. It was a tough decision, but I felt I had to make it.”
It was there for everyone to see how Newcastle United missed several chances to get on the scoresheet in the first half, so Eddie Howe has reason enough to complain.
However, Barcelona also put in a very good performance, and as the English coach commented, his side had to play a perfect game to beat Hansi Flick’s well-drilled machine.
