Hansi Flick promises that "we'll see a different Barca in the return leg" after they salvaged a late draw against Newcastle United in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.
Barcelona were far from their best at St. James' Park, but a last-gasp Lamine Yamal penalty was enough to ensure they did not have a deficit to overturn in next week's return fixture.
Newcastle had taken the lead through Harvey Barnes – who had also hit the post – in the 86th minute, but Malick Thiaw clumsily felled Dani Olmo deep in stoppage time to give Yamal the chance to equalise.
That leveller, timed at 95:50, was Barcelona's second latest Champions League goal (excluding extra time) on record since 2003-04, after Neymar's strike against Juventus in the 2015 final (96:38).
Flick conceded his side were tired, but when asked if the return leg would be different, he simply told Movistar: "We'll see a different Barca in the return leg."
"We've had a lot of previous matches and injured players," he added. "[Marc] Bernal and Pedri are coming off a period of inactivity.
"We need to improve, that's clear, but the positive thing for us is the result. After being 1-0 down, it was fantastic to be able to come back and get a draw."
Barcelona managed nine shots overall, with Yamal's penalty just their second on target in the contest. They did edge the expected goals (xG) battle, though their 1.4 xG was inflated by the penalty.
As a team, Barca collectively lost possession 118 times, with Joan Garcia and Joao Cancelo doing so 12 times each, second only to Yamal's 20.
And Flick was unimpressed by how lax his side were on the ball, especially against Newcastle's proactive approach.
"We lost possession a lot," Flick said in his press conference. "They have fast players. But I am happy with the defensive work.
"Before the match, I wouldn't have thought it was a bad result. There are no excuses.
"We didn't want to take any risks with Eric [Garcia] because he's an important player for us. [Ronald] Araujo played well, and when Xavi Espart came on, he did too.
"It's not easy to play against this team. We have to keep improving because we have great potential."
Barongagz02
0
What is in camp nou? Bayern 6 Barcelona 2 in camp nou.
U Dey mind them? Newcastle are different ánimas on champions league. If Barca doubt, thy should ask PSG. This isn’t group stages oo but knock out stages, so it’s going to be a tough game for Barca but not for Newcastle. EPL teams are not farmers teams that will allow u to score 3-0 just like that 🤣
Barongagz02
0
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
U Dey mind them? Laliga team are all useless. Newcastle will never allow u to have the chance to create any chances self.
Barongagz02
0
Newcastle love fast, high pressing, high intensity game, it's their style of play. To beat them, it's simple, calm the game, don't rush your play. They will be frustrated with how slow the game is going and spaces will appear in their defensive line, when it does, you need to do the most important thing to win, take them those chances.
The same way your team calmed the game down and still lost to 10man. Foolish man United fans giving advice that his dead overrated team could not deployed.
Fuadikptz
0
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
What is in camp nou? Bayern 6 Barcelona 2 in camp nou.
Richard0010
0
I know we didn't perform at the level everyone wanted us to, but football is like that sometimes, besides Newcastle is not really a team you can look down on just like that remember they won PSG 4 - 0. so we tried getting a draw from them, we believe our boys will do more better at camp nou
We’re avoiding cards bro, you will see real game in second leg. Trust me, we will flog them easily
Richard0010
0
Newcastle love fast, high pressing, high intensity game, it's their style of play. To beat them, it's simple, calm the game, don't rush your play. They will be frustrated with how slow the game is going and spaces will appear in their defensive line, when it does, you need to do the most important thing to win, take them those chances.
They will play it again at camp Nou bro… let wait and see who reach quarter final
Richard0010
0
We have 💯 believed in you boss 🫡
OluwasegunManU
0
You need Pedri at his absolute best to win.
OluwasegunManU
1
Newcastle love fast, high pressing, high intensity game, it's their style of play. To beat them, it's simple, calm the game, don't rush your play. They will be frustrated with how slow the game is going and spaces will appear in their defensive line, when it does, you need to do the most important thing to win, take them those chances.
feuloprsuz
1
Flick is a man of his word! Newcastle will come meet us at home 🏡 so worry about your club 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😁😁
Diybelopy
0
I believe and know that the second legs is going to be surprised everyone like I trust Barcelona
nosbuly
2
The Magpies have invited trouble.
Yiuacikopu
3
I know we didn't perform at the level everyone wanted us to, but football is like that sometimes, besides Newcastle is not really a team you can look down on just like that remember they won PSG 4 - 0. so we tried getting a draw from them, we believe our boys will do more better at camp nou
nicceinpst
0
Barca is a mess
your fada
nicceinpst
1
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
when you see idiot comments na once you dey know... mumu
Namcelmpsy
1
barca was lucky. not that good
vitadeklmo
0
Mr Flick try this next season cause the defence is very bad
payceotuz
1
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
How is this ur problem? Shameless man! Let’s see how you play against city. You that struggle to beat Celta running mouth here
Nosaeklnou
1
I am with you sir
Tomckmtyz
1
Barca is a mess
And Chelsea is a disaster..
Tomckmtyz
2
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
So Newcastle are better than atletico
Movilla25
1
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
So u think Newcastle will eliminate Barcelona at camp Nou. U must be dreaming. Think about your thrash club.
nosbuly
6
Words create. Hans Flick is a man of his word and very noble. The second leg will be disastrous for the Magpies at Spotify Camp nou, Eddie Howe's men better get themselves ready because the culers will have no respect for anyone coming on the way. Man, I just can't wait to see how the Blaugranes will be terrorizing teams for the reminder of the season😄
/MADRIDISTA
3
Abeg rest . Not everyone is like Atletico Madrid that allowed u score 3 free goals
sutdioruy
5
The Boss has spoken
Wocceilp
1
Barca is a mess
Medaeimnrz
2
That’s sure