Newcastle manager Eddie Howe hailed his team’s “gutsy display” after the Magpies fell to a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League at St James’ Park on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barca from Manchester United, scored an excellent second-half brace before Anthony Gordon pulled one back late on in what was an enthralling encounter on Tyneside.

Gordon’s strike, in the end, proved to be little more than consolation, but for large spells the hosts outplayed their Catalan opponents, who were missing teenage star Lamine Yamal through injury.

And the Magpies boss was quick to acknowledge his players’ efforts, but added that these occasions are only made truly special with a victory.

“I think we were really in the game, I didn’t feel we were ever out of it,” Howe told TNT Sports.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t score the first goal of the game, I think that was crucial tonight, on reflection and we had the chances to do that in the first half.

“I thought it was a really wholehearted and gutsy display from us, perhaps lacking that bit of quality to make us win.