Three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Newcastle United | UEFA Champions League | OneFootball

The Spotify Camp Nou plays host to Newcastle United in the second leg of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie tomorrow night, and it will be the last time the Catalans can boast of that advantage in this season’s edition.

Having the crowd behind their back for the all-important second leg is always a massive advantage. Unfortunately for Barcelona, however, any potential quarterfinal or semifinal tie in the event this season will see them play the second leg away from home.

In that sense, it becomes all the more crucial that the Blaugrana utilise the amicable conditions to the best of their potential tomorrow when they take on Newcastle.

After a 1-1 away at St James Park last week, Barcelona will have their task cut out for them if they are to progress to the quarterfinals. They do, however, undeniably have the quality and will look to kill off the game rapidly should they get off to the right start.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Barcelona vs Newcastle United.

A special home advantage

Barcelona, of all clubs, know well the advantage of having the second leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout tie at home, for they have struggled immensely playing away from home in such decisive games in the past.

The Catalans bring a 1-1 result into the Spotify Camp Nou ahead of Wednesday’s game, and it cannot be understated how significant it is that they play the second leg at home.

Their record since returning to the historic stadium earlier this season, after all, has been undeniably stellar. Indeed, the Blaugrana have Europe’s best record at home this season.

Right from the 4-0 demolition of Athletic Club in their first game back at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona have racked up 11 wins at home with a perfect record and have scored 33 goals, conceding just six.

Counting merely on the home advantage, needless to say, will not get Barcelona far. If they can turn up the intensity and play as they have in recent must-win situations, however, they could well take a massive win on the night.

The crowd, after all, will be fiercely supportive and will not make matters easy for Newcastle United despite their impressive recent away record.

Time to turn on the attacking engine

Lamine Yamal will need to beat Lewis Hall in their battle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Barcelona did not bring their best game to St James Park last week, and it was clear throughout that they were operating in second gear.

The Catalans did not dominate the game as expected of them and constantly succumbed to Newcastle’s press, simply because the intensity off the ball was lacking.

Even the win, in that sense, was lucky for Hansi Flick’s side and only made possible after Dani Olmo won a late penalty in the last action of the game.

On Wednesday, Barcelona must awaken the attacking giant and come out all guns blazing, showing Newcastle that the version of themselves they showed last week was one operating at a far lower level.

There is no denying that Barcelona have one of the world’s most potent attacking departments, and every piece of that puzzle will be crucial.

For starters, Lamine Yamal will have to bring his best back to the field, and will be more determined to do so given how he often came out second best against Lewis Hall in England. Freshly rested, he will be raring to go.

Raphinha, meanwhile, will be equally crucial playing on the left wing and will be determined to keep his momentum going after scoring a hat-trick against Sevilla.

It remains to be seen who starts between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in attack, with the indications being that the latter could get the nod. 

In attacking midfield, Dani Olmo, after his strong game against Sevilla, will be challenging Fermin Lopez for the starting spot.

Players risking suspension

At this stage in the UEFA Champions League, every game is a must-win, and there is no clash that can be labelled as a walk in the park, irrespective of the conditions or the situation.

The presence of every single player, thus, becomes vital in the competition at every step along the way, and suspensions, regardless of the duration, become critical.

Heading into the game against Newcastle United tomorrow, Barcelona have four players risking suspension from the next game if they are booked on the night, and all four are vital in their own ways.

Lamine Yamal, for starters, is at the said risk, and a single yellow card tomorrow will mean he misses the first leg of a potential quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur.

Also at the same risk are Gerard Martin and Fermin Lopez, both of whom are likely to have major roles on the night. In both of their cases, their defensive work rate predisposes them to bookings and they must be extra cautious.

The final player risking an immediate suspension is Marc Casado, who is not expected to start but only appear off the bench. His potential absence, however, does not threaten the team as directly as the other three.

While giving their all on the field to progress to the next round, the aforementioned players must keep a very close watch on their tackles, words with the referee, and even actions on the field.

Missing them for the quarterfinals, after all, would be a massive blow. The problem for Hansi Flick, however, is that the same situation will carry forward until the semifinal of the competitions, and the players are bound to slip up at some point along the way.