PREVIEW: Last eight hangs in the balanace as Barcelona face Newcastle | OneFootball

Barcelona will host Newcastle United tomorrow night, with the tie finely poised after the first-leg ended 1-1 at St.James’ Park last week.

Harvey Barnes gave The Magpies a late lead in Newcastle last Tuesday, before a 96th minute penalty was converted by Lamine Yamal to level the scores and set-up an intriguing second-leg. Newcastle have never reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and will have a tough task on their hands to change that tomorrow at Camp Nou.

Last time Newcastle travelled to Barça came back in 2002 and saw them lost 3-1 with goals coming from Dani Garcia, Patrick Kluivert, Thiago Motta and Shola Ameobi. Sir Bobby Robson was in charge of The Toon that night, but tomorrow it will of course be Eddie Howe in the dugout who has spoken with the press ahead of a huge clash.

“We are making sure we get all of our gameplan, tactical delivery, and individual performance to the right level. Afterwards, it will take care of itself. My thoughts and the players’ thoughts are to just deliver our best. It is all about the here and now. A lot of work has gone into these two games, as it does with every game we have to play now. That is all we are focused on.”

The Englishman also spoke on the recent speculation regarding Sandro Tonali’s future at the club, “I prefer to take my lead on him from him. All I have seen from Sandro is someone who is totally committed. Very selfless at times, he is here for the team.” The Italian midfielder has made just over 100 appearances for Newcastle since signing from AC Milan in 2023.

Barça manager Hansi Flick has also spoken to the media ahead of what is only the seventh meeting between the two sides saying “This is football. A lot can happen, and things can change tomorrow, but we have to be positive. There’s a lot of quality in the squad and I think we are capable of winning this Champions League, though we need to improve. Right now, the important thing is that everyone is available and at their best.”

The game will take place on Wednesday March 18th, and kick-off is scheduled for 5:45 (UK time.)