If it’s not Lamine Yamal, then it’s likely Raphinha. And if Raphinha is off the pitch, it might just be Fermín López. Based on the evidence from Wednesday’s 7-2 victory over Newcastle United, we saw Robert Lewandowski also find his scoring touch again as Barcelona overwhelmed their opponents at Spotify Camp Nou.
The team under Hansi Flick showcased their offensive strength, solidifying their status as serious contenders for their first UEFA Champions League title in a decade. An 8-3 aggregate victory secured their place in the quarterfinals against either Atlético Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur, but the standout moment was the electric atmosphere that marked the night.
Yamal netted a penalty and assisted on two other goals, while Raphinha found the back of the net twice and provided two assists. Fermín contributed with a goal and an assist, and Lewandowski, ending a goal drought of three games, added two crucial scores. Also making an impact was teenager Marc Bernal, who has now scored five times in his last nine matches.
This match marked Barça’s first Champions League knockout game at Spotify Camp Nou with fans since 2019. A combination of the pandemic and two years at the Olympic Stadium had meant it was seven years since they last played such an important game before their own supporters. The revamped stadium, which won’t be completed until 2028, pulsated with an unforgettable energy, as Barça asserted their intention to claim the title for the first time since 2015.
Raphinha remarked, “We’ve had significant nights before, but this is our first with both tiers fully open and 60,000 fans in attendance. With that support, it’s going to be very tough for anyone to beat us at home.”
While Barcelona excelled, Newcastle put up a fight, showing glimpses of life in the first half where they leveled the score twice, taking advantage of errors from Barca. Yamal’s back-heel near his own box was particularly costly, resulting in two goals from Anthony Elanga, who had struggled to find the net since joining the Magpies last summer. Barcelona’s defensive lapses were concerning, as they have now allowed two or more goals in four of their last seven Champions League knockout matches at home.
After equalizing, Newcastle fell behind yet again when Yamal converted a penalty, and the floodgates opened in the second half as Barcelona delivered a breathtaking performance. Fermín, after a brilliant setup from Raphinha, made it 4-2 early in the half, totaling 10 goal contributions in this Champions League season (six goals, four assists).
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, who was a fitness concern ahead of the match, exited with an injury, marking the beginning of the end for their chances. However, the extent of their defeat was shocking.
Lewandowski added two goals, first heading in a Raphinha corner, then finishing with poise after a brilliant assist from Yamal. Now at 37, Lewandowski is the oldest player to score twice in a Champions League match, surpassing Filippo Inzaghi.
With three teenagers in the starting lineup—Pau Cubarsí, Bernal, and Yamal—Barcelona’s average team age was just over 25. Flick has crafted a squad that’s focused on both present success and future potential. Even Raphinha, at 29, is among the older players, contributing significantly, including scoring the seventh goal after a misplay by Jacob Ramsey, who unwittingly assisted him.
This season, Barcelona has racked up an impressive 30 goals in just 10 Champions League matches. Only PSG (34 in 12 games) and Club Brugge (32 in 14) have more, albeit having played additional matches.
Awaiting in the next round are either Atlético or Spurs, with a potential semifinal showdown against Arsenal looming, while PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are on the opposite side of the draw. With a wealth of offensive talent, Barcelona has the potential to progress far—but defensive concerns remain. With injuries to Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, and others, Barcelona will need to rely on their attacking prowess more than ever.