"Even changing to play lower and deeper and compact space didn't really help us in our efforts. Newcastle had more than competed with Barcelona in 135 of the 180 minutes of this two-legged tie. The visitors showed immense spirit to twice draw level in the first half of Wednesday's return fixture at the Nou Camp."
"It's just a shame that we lost in the manner we did. We could have played even better. It was just a game of errors. Yet it was telling that those in the away end applauded their side off at full-time and repeatedly vowed to support you ever more."
"Newcastle had reached the last 16 of the competition for only the second time in the club's history. Or that the visitors lost just three of their dozen Champions League fixtures this season. Or that they put in valiant displays in 1-1 draws against Barcelona and holders Paris St-Germain."
Newcastle United were eliminated from the Champions League after a 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the second leg at the Nou Camp. Despite competing effectively for most of the tie and drawing level twice in the first half, Newcastle collapsed defensively in the second half. The team showed resilience throughout the competition, losing only three of twelve Champions League matches and securing draws against Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. Manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the self-inflicted nature of the defeat, attributing it to errors rather than Barcelona's superiority. Newcastle's travelling supporters applauded their team off the pitch, recognizing the achievement of reaching the last 16 for only the second time in club history.
Read at www.bbc.com
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