TOON PAIN IN SPAIN

Geordies blown away as rampant Barca run riot after Elanga double gave Howe hope

- FROM LEE RYDER

SO that Faustino Asprilla hat-trick inspired-win remains the high-point for Newcastle against Barcelona.

But for a tantalising first 45 minutes at the Nou Camp last night it looked like that famous night back in 1997 might just be eclipsed. However, having raised hopes of doing just that - the Magpies twice fighting their way back into the game and only going in a goal down at the break the Catalan giants proved just why they remain a true European superpower.

Talk about going through the gears, Hansi Flick's half-time team talk inspiring his side to score four unanswered goals after the break to blow Eddie Howe's pretenders away.

The performance in the 1-1 draw at St James' Park last week had raised hopes among the 3,000 travelling fans that a seismic shock could be on the cards. But just like Barca's cavernous arena, the Magpies ambitions to compete at the very highest level remain a work in progress.