oi-Sauradeep Ash

The second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 between Barcelona and Newcastle United at Spotify Camp Nou has been a thrilling, goal-filled first half. Barcelona lead 3-2 at the break.

Raphinha opened the scoring early for Barça, followed by Marc Bernal’s close-range finish amid sloppy defending. Anthony Elanga struck twice for Newcastle to level things temporarily and keep the tie alive. Lamine Yamal converted a dramatic penalty right at the end of the half to restore Barcelona’s lead in a pulsating, end-to-end contest with five goals total.

Anthony Elanga has been special for Newcastle, with his brace, which has kept the Premier League side still in this tie.

Who is Anthony Elanga?

Anthony Elanga is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Premier League side Newcastle United, having previously represented top‑flight clubs Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Born in Malmö on 27 April 2002, he is right‑footed, stands about 178 cm tall, and wears the number 20 shirt for Newcastle.

Early life and youth career

Elanga began playing in Sweden with local teams IF Elfsborg and Malmö FF before his family moved to Manchester, where he briefly featured for Hattersley and was scouted by both Manchester City and Manchester United. He joined United’s academy at the age of 12, quickly progressing through the age groups and earning the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2019 after a standout Under‑18 season.

Club career

Elanga made his United first‑team debut in 2021 and went on to play 55 times across all competitions, scoring four goals and lifting the EFL Cup in 2022-23. In 2023 he moved to Nottingham Forest, where he struck 11 goals and registered 21 assists in 82 appearances, helping the club secure European qualification. A strong 2024-25 season earned him a transfer to Newcastle United in July 2025, where he signed a long‑term deal and has continued to feature regularly in the Premier League.

International and key stats

Elanga made his senior debut for Sweden in 2022 and has since earned over 20 caps, often featuring alongside compatriot Alexander Isak in attack. Across his senior club career, he has made around 140 top‑flight appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 24 assists, while also appearing in the Champions League and Europa League with Manchester United.

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