The view from Barcelona ahead of Newcastle’s huge Champions League clash against them on Tuesday evening
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, embraces Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Newcastle United return to Champions League action on Tuesday evening as they take on Spanish champions Barcelona in the last 16 of the competition.
The Magpies welcome the Catalan giants to St James’ Park in the first leg, before travelling to the Camp Nou next week in the second leg, and are aiming to become the first Newcastle side to reach the quarter-final stage of the Champions League.
The two sides met at St James’ Park earlier this season in the league phase where Hansi Flick’s side ran out 2-1 winners. Marcus Rashford scored twice that night before Anthony Gordon scored a consolation goal but both sides would have taken confidence from that game ahead of facing each other again this week.
It promises to be a special occasion on Tyneside and, ahead of the game, Chronicle Live caught up with Diario Sport reporter German Bona to get the view from Barcelona on the Champions League, facing Newcastle United and to gauge the confidence levels in Catalonia.
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What was the reaction in Barcelona when they were drawn against Newcastle United?
“The draw was welcomed, not because Newcastle was considered an easy opponent, but because the other option was PSG and nobody at Barça wanted to face the current European champions. Also, because their side of the bracket is much better.”
Barcelona won against Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier this season. Is there confidence they can repeat that result on Tuesday?
“Yes, one of the points highlighted was that Barça had beaten Newcastle in September. But it was a tough match, and Hansi Flick emphasised the incredible atmosphere at St. James’ Park.
“The players are confident of repeating the result and, above all, are confident about playing the return leg at the Camp Nou.”
How would you assess Barcelona’s form this season heading into Tuesday’s match?
“FC Barcelona arrive in Newcastle in good form after regaining the lead in La Liga, despite being eliminated by Atlético Madrid from the Copa del Rey. They won 3-0 at the Camp Nou in a great match and believe this is the way forward.”
Hansi Flick has won La Liga but how important is Champions League success to his legacy?
“FC Barcelona’s main objective is the Champions League. They haven’t won it since 2015, and the primary reason for hiring Hansi Flick as manager was his success in the competition with Bayern Munich.
“Last season, Barça reached the semi-finals against Inter Milan, and the Barcelona fanbase is obsessed with the Champions League.”
If you had to pick out three standout Barcelona players this season, who would they be and why?
I would choose Joan Garcia, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. Barça needed a goalkeeper of Joan’s quality, very agile and skilled at distributing the ball with his feet.
“Lamine is the star of FC Barcelona at only 18 years old. A leader who dribbles with great skill and is increasingly prolific in front of goal. And Pedri is the team’s playmaker and has returned after an injury. Barça felt his absence.”
What is your score prediction for Newcastle vs Barcelona?
2-2
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