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St James' Park rose in applause.

The Magpies had endured a 2-1 defeat against the Catalan club in their UCL opener, yet the atmosphere suggested otherwise.

"Newcastle, our hearts belong to you!" the dedicated fans chanted at full-time before they applauded their squad off the pitch.

No one could question the team's work rate in this defeat against the visitors – right up until the last breath.

Two goals by Rashford had seized control for the away side, however, the Magpies responded and striker Gordon netted one late in the final stages.

But, Eddie Howe's team were left considering what could have been.

"Great dedication, immense spirit from the players," Howe stated. "In my view, it was a decent showing although not a excellent performance and, to defeat a team like that, it needs to be a top-level performance.

"We had the chances. Key opportunities in the initial 45 minutes that we didn't take and, in the end, if you let in an early goal, the match turns at that point."

Far From Another Paris Display

Fans hoped for one of those "magical" occasions as Howe termed it.

"Returning to our colors," the AC/DC-themed banner declared in the East Stand before the game.

The team returned in the Champions League – and they were not about to quietly take their seat at the highest level as they met Barcelona.

Present in the stands was a historic figure, who netted three in Newcastle's historic triumph against the same opponents in a previous era.

Their attendance, evoking memories, emphasized of just what is achievable on these nights where the stadium shakes.

The present squad were well aware of that, certainly, after dominating the French side at home a recently.

The goalkeeper, Kieran Trippier, the defender, the full-back, the midfielder, the Italian and the attacker also were part of that lineup. Understandably, then, that Burn called on those around him to "make this PSG 2.0".

However, there would be a distinct result this time.

Unlike that 4-1 victory, this was a night when Newcastle failed to be clinical.

'I Can't Live in That World'

The new signing had delivered the winning strike in the narrow victory against the opponents at the weekend before coming off with cramp on his debut.

Therefore, with the first-choice forward sidelined with a problem, Gordon was chosen to play up front.

Howe avoided questioning his decision not to start the tall Woltemade on matchday.

"There's no point in regretting," he stated. "Selections are necessary for the welfare of the team on occasion.

"It was a really difficult one for the player. Each athlete hopes to begin, however, his fitness is a priority into the team and ensure his condition. That guided my choice."

The manager, as a result, recalled Gordon, who is currently serving a disciplinary absence.

Speedster Elanga also was included in place of another attacker, who is recovering from a problem.

The duo very nearly linked up in the early minutes.

Yet, the chance went begging with the delivery before Harvey Barnes saw a curling effort gathered by the keeper by the Barcelona keeper.

Barnes then had a golden chance to score first in the opening period but placed it too close.

It was reminiscent of the opening weeks of the season, when Newcastle fired blanks against other opponents.

It's understandable, Howe had his hands on his head on the bench at a moment.

On such occasions, Newcastle had to be ruthless in front of goal – as in previous matches in a convincing victory against Paris Saint-Germain a couple of years ago.

To succeed in Europe, they are going to have to be clinical.

Starting with the trip to Brussels to face the Belgian side next month.

"We showed plenty in terms of spirit and bravery," the manager added. "There are areas to improve of a couple of things we might have improved but, overall, we will analyse it, try and improve and develop from this experience."