Newcastle veteran sends warning to Barcelona – ‘More confident than at any other point this season’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona and Newcastle United will square off for the third time this season, with a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on the line.

The first meeting, in the league phase, ended in a 2-1 win for the Blaugrana at St James’ Park. However, their visit to the stadium last week, for the Round-of-16 first leg, did not pan out as intended as the match finished 1-1, thanks to a late Lamine Yamal penalty.

Barcelona will go into tomorrow’s second-leg contest with home advantage, having not lost a single game since returning to the Spotify Camp Nou.

Kieran Trippier confident

However, Newcastle United are convinced they can pull off a surprise against Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16, and veteran full-back Kieran Trippier made that clear ahead of the clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Echoing the sentiments of their manager, Eddie Howe, the 35-year-old full-back remarked:

“We’re very confident. We’re more confident than at any other point this season. It’s the happiest moment I’ve ever experienced.

“Hopefully, we’ll reach our best form at just the right time. We’re really looking forward to the match. It’s an opportunity for us.”

Trippier confident ahead of Barcelona clash. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

After all, Newcastle go into the game after a solid performance against Barcelona last week, which was followed by a win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

“The victory against Chelsea was very important for us,” Trippier acknowledged.

Having previously spent time at Atletico Madrid, Trippier is one of few Newcastle players who know what it feels like to play at Camp Nou.

“Some of the younger players in the squad have asked me what it’s like to play at the Camp Nou,” the English right-back revealed.

On what will be key for Newcastle United to upset the applecart, Trippier remarked: “We’re an experienced team. Barça have some very talented players, but we need to have the same mindset and intensity to win.

“The lads are ready. We know the reward is great if we listen to the manager. People didn’t think we’d be in this position, but this club deserves to be in this position in Europe.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo