Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon has openly admitted that he has never faced a team quite like Barcelona, describing the Spanish giants as being on another level compared to the Premier League’s top sides.
The 23-year-old made the statement after Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday night.
Barcelona’s attacking strength was on full display as Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, struck twice to secure all three points for the Catalan side. Gordon managed to pull one back for Newcastle in the 90th minute, but the Magpies were denied a late equaliser as Barcelona controlled possession until the final whistle.
Speaking to BeIN Sports after the match, Gordon reflected on the experience:
“The way they keep the ball was a real learning experience. We don’t play against that style in England, not at that level anyway. They were the best I’ve played against in terms of ball movement. Some of their midfield play was incredible.”
He went on to compare Barcelona’s fluid midfield play with that of the Premier League’s elite:
“We’ve faced City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal… but the way Barcelona’s midfielders combined, moved with such fluidity, and passed the ball made it very difficult for us to press. We play with high intensity and physicality, but credit to them—they handled it brilliantly.”
Despite the loss, Gordon’s performance, capped with his late goal, was a bright spot for Newcastle and demonstrated his growing influence in Eddie Howe’s squad.
For Gordon, the night was more than just about scoring—it was about recognising a higher standard of football and the lessons it brings for both him and his teammates moving forward in Europe’s elite competition.
