Barcelona fan misses Champions League match after going to wrong stadium

Barcelona secured a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg match on Tuesday night.

In what was a thrilling affair, Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle the lead with just four minutes remaining.

However, Barcelona were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Malick Thiaw tripped Dani Olmo inside the penalty area. Lamine Yamal converted the penalty to ensure its all to play for in the second leg.

While the players had fun on the pitch, it’s another story for a fan who ended up at the wrong stadium.

The supporter, who had travelled from London, intended to watch Barcelona face Newcastle at St James’ Park, found himself at the gates of third-tier club Exeter City’s St James Park.

The significant mix-up only became apparent when he presented his ticket to staff at the Devon ground.

Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring Barcelona’s equalizing goal against Newcastle United. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Rather than simply turning him away, compassionate Exeter City personnel offered him a ticket to their League One fixture against Lincoln City.

Adam Spencer, Exeter City’s Supporter Experience Officer, recounted the incident: “One of our volunteers came to the office to let us know that this guy had turned up expecting to see FC Barcelona. His English wasn’t great, but from what we could gather, he’d come from London.”

Spencer speculated on the cause of the error, adding: “My guess is he’d put St James Park in his phone and then just followed the directions from there.

“He was pretty gutted and a bit embarrassed. So, we sorted him out a ticket and he got to watch a game at the real St James Park. He’d be welcome back any time.”

Left with no choice, the Spanish fan watched the home side succumb to a 1-0 defeat against league leaders Lincoln City, as Hansi Flicks’ Barcelona managed to secure a 1-1 draw in Newcastle.