Barcelona were taken out of their comfort zone by Newcastle United but equalized in the death penalty.
Joan Garcia – 7
After a very shaky moment early on, Garcia produced a fine save on Elanga that looked set to be ruled ahead after a VAR check. The crosses were also relatively good, intercepting three or four balls outside the penalty area.
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Ronald Araujo – 6.5
Barely made any progress, but fulfilled his mission well. Araujo was rarely beaten by Harvey Barnes and the goal itself was unfortunate because he was out of position. Araujo hasn’t had a great season, but in just his second start in 2026, he’s looking forward to the challenge.
Paul Cubas – 7.5
Kubas continued his good form and made some key blocks. Even when Will Osula got away from the backline, Kubas always filled in and was reliable.
Gerald Martin – 7.5
Although it looked like Barcelona’s defense was overwhelmed, they defended the penalty area pretty well for the most part. Martin was a major part of that, making a number of key interceptions.
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Joao Cancelo – 6.5
Was exploited multiple times in the first half by Anthony Elanga, who was difficult to deal with. However, the Portuguese defender is one of the few players who shows personality on the ball and is willing to push the ball forward through passes.
Pedri – 8
Today, some Spanish media describe it as a “lighthouse,” and it’s easy to see why. Pedri covered up numerous flaws in Barcelona’s performance, slowing down the game as much as possible and winning the ball back on multiple occasions. Barcelona nights at their best.
Mark Bernal – 5.5
He did his best in the middle of the field, but his job was difficult. Often feeling the ball flying over his head, he turned to one side or the other until he finally pulled back.
Ramin Yamar – 6.5
After a strong first half, Lamine Yamal’s performance dropped significantly in the second half. His defensive performance was good, but he ended up conceding the ball multiple times in his own half. Calm and prepared for the equalizer.
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Fermín Lopez – 7
Although Fermín Lopez had a few squandered chances on offense, there was one particularly good opportunity that he defended very well. Constantly sweeping up the midfield and being one of the few players able to step in for Newcastle players.
Rafinha – 4
Raphinha looked lacking in confidence all evening. Twice in the first half he was put into good position by Lamine Yamar, but he stalled for too long to make any impact. On top of that, he keeps giving the ball away and his usual pressing has no effect. It was a difficult night for the Brazilians.
Robert Lewandowski – 3.5
His only real chance was a half-chance, but he missed the target. That was before he was deported, after a real struggle. Lewandowski was unable to hold the ball, lost almost every game and looked out of place on the pitch.
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Substitute
Dani Olmo – 7.5
Substitute Pedri came on for the final 20 minutes and while his performance largely passed him by, the quality of the decisive actions he made in such a short space of time on the pitch was important. His move was not only game-changing, but a brilliant conversion to beat Malik Tio.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Rashford struggled a bit this time. He did try to make things happen when he got the ball but quickly became frustrated with the quality of service.
Mark Casado – 6
Maybe we were a little harsh on Casado at times because of the players he was up against in his position. Yet his time on the court didn’t impact the game.
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Ferran Torres – N/A
One time he fell while catching the ball and trying to do something.
Harvey Espat – N/A
In just a few minutes of his appearance, Espat made some good contributions on his Barcelona debut. Intercepted Joe Willock in the penalty area and won the first ball in midfield, winning a free kick in stoppage time.