A worry for Real Madrid, a perfect score for Barcelona
Manchester City overcame a poor start to the match and ended up coming back to win the FA Cup tie against Newcastle with a goal from Savinho and two more from Marmoush.
Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid can take note of Saturday’s match ahead of their UEFA Champions League fixtures. Barça can rest relatively easy. Newcastle United are capable of causing problems at certain stages of the round of 16, but the Magpies lack the clinical finishing of Manchester City. Eddie Howe’s side have shown they can seize the initiative and just as quickly relinquish it, while Pep Guardiola’s team are able to recover from an initially unfavourable situation and still prevail.
The home side started strongly, pressing with intensity, catching Manchester City off guard, creating chances and taking the lead. After winning the ball in midfield in the 18th minute, Sandro Tonali played a through pass to Harvey Barnes, who received it unmarked on the edge of the box. The Englishman cut into the visitors’ area and beat James Trafford with a low shot across goal. That summed up the opening stages.
Then the visitors began to take control, and Newcastle were fortunate to reach half-time with the score level. City came alive when their two wingers became more involved. Both played a part in the move that led to the equaliser, with Jérémy Doku providing the assist and Savinho knocking the ball over the line.
The second half told a different story. City dominated and took complete control. It took them barely two minutes to move ahead. Matheus Nunes reached the byline and whipped in a cross that James O’Reilly failed to connect with. The ball fell to Omar Marmoush, who put City in front with another simple finish from close range.
There was no response from the home side, not even after Howe made three substitutions before the hour mark. Marmoush added a third in the 65th minute, effectively sealing the tie. His powerful shot from the edge of the box found no obstacle, only the back of the net. Guardiola’s men sent a clear message ahead of their meeting with Real Madrid.
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