FC Barcelona delivered a ruthless second-half performance to sweep aside Newcastle United and book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in emphatic style.
Brazilian winger Raphinha and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski both netted twice as the Catalan giants overwhelmed the visitors in a dramatic last-16 second leg at the Nou Camp.
Heading into the clash, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had challenged his side to rise to the occasion and for a while, they did just that. The Magpies matched Barcelona blow-for-blow in an electrifying first half, with Anthony Elanga twice drawing them level after earlier strikes from Raphinha and youngster Marc Bernal.
Despite Newcastle’s resilience, Barcelona edged ahead before the break when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal calmly converted from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, giving the hosts a 3-2 halftime lead and firm control of the tie.
The contest, however, shifted decisively after the restart.
Midfielder Fermin Lopez extended Barcelona’s advantage early in the second half after being played through by Raphinha, before Lewandowski struck twice in quick succession to dismantle Newcastle’s resistance.
Raphinha then completed his brace to cap a dominant display, punishing a defensive lapse to seal a comprehensive victory on the night winning 7-2, underline Barcelona’s attacking firepower.
Newcastle will reflect on a spirited first-half showing but ultimately paid the price for defensive lapses, having initially responded well to going behind early when Raphinha opened the scoring with a composed finish following a slick one-two.
Elanga’s double, both coming from well-worked moves involving Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, had briefly reignited hope for the visitors, but they were undone by Barcelona’s clinical edge and superior control in the latter stages.
The Spanish side now march into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur as they continue their pursuit of European glory.