FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal believes his side demonstrated their full potential in the second half of their 7-2 dismantling of Newcastle, a result that safely secured their passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Speaking at the Spotify Camp Nou following the final whistle, the Catalan prospect noted that Lamine Yamal's penalty, tucked away just before the interval to make it 3-2, provided the necessary "impetus" for the second-half onslaught.

"They pressed high in the opening period—we knew that was their game plan," the La Masia graduate admitted when reflecting on Newcastle's early resistance.

Marc Bernal, who netted the hosts' second of the evening to take his season tally to five, was understandably delighted with his contribution: "These goals are unique moments that I never imagined experiencing. I am thrilled to be helping the team in this way."

"We stepped up the tempo"

Elsewhere, Gerard Martin pointed to a significant "increase in tempo" after the break, which allowed Barca to be far more ruthless as they cruised into the last eight.

"We felt we were playing well despite conceding twice. We didn't actually have to make many tactical adjustments," explained Pau Cubarsi's partner in the heart of the defence.

Gerard Martin also reflected on his own involvement, having provided the headed assist for Marc Bernal's strike that made it 2-1. "I'm playing with a lot of confidence. I feel most at home at centre-back, but I'm happy to contribute in either role," he added.

"Securing a place in the quarter-finals is vital; it might look easy from the outside, but it certainly isn't," Martin warned. Looking ahead to the draw, he noted that should they face Atletico Madrid, the 'Cules' would relish the tie "with great enthusiasm" as they seek redemption for their Copa del Rey exit at the hands of the 'Rojiblancos'.

Gerard Martín

Logros