Match Preview: Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona

The Magpies face Barcelona in the knockout stage, with home advantage offering the chance to seize the initiative.

By Jordan Love

A Familiar Opponent

Newcastle United return to Champions League action on Tuesday night, hosting Barcelona at St James’ Park for the first leg of their round of 16 tie. The sides previously met in September during the group stage, with Barcelona sealing a 2–1 win thanks to a double from Marcus Rashford. Newcastle created several promising chances that night but so often could not find the finishing touch, a stark reminder of how fine the margins are

at Europe’s highest level.

Recent Form

Newcastle arrive on the back of a tough weekend, having lost 3–1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup, which ended their run in the competition. The Magpies will need to recover quickly to focus on Europe.

Barcelona, meanwhile, come into the fixture after a narrow 1–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, keeping their domestic form intact while preparing for the challenge at St James’ Park.

Team News

Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär, both of whom started against Barcelona in September, remain sidelined, while Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley are also unavailable. Tino Livramento returned from injury with a brief cameo against Manchester City, though Eddie Howe admitted in Monday’s press conference that the full-back has “probably not done enough training” to be ready to start. Nick Woltemade, is available after recovering from illness.

Barcelona are missing Jules Koundé and Frenkie de Jong, two players who played key roles in September’s meeting. Their absence is notable, though the visitors retain enough quality and depth to control possession and create chances. Alejandro Balde also misses out.

Threat in Transition

Barcelona are again expected to control large spells of possession, meaning Newcastle’s opportunities may come when they are able to regain the ball and transition quickly. The visitors’ high defensive line could provide the space the hosts need to exploit.

With the likes of Anthony Gordon, William Osula and Anthony Elanga, Newcastle possess several players capable of attacking the space behind Barcelona’s defence. Quick vertical passes and well-timed runs in transition could stretch the visitors’ back line, an area Newcastle threatened at times in the previous meeting but were unable to fully capitalise on.

Setting the Tone on Tyneside

With the return leg at Camp Nou to come, Newcastle's priority is to seize any advantage they can on home soil, and avoid heading to Spain behind on aggregate.

St James' Park has provided the backdrop for memorable European nights in the past, and the Magpies will hope it can do so again as they take on one of the continent's elite.

Game information:

Date: Tuesday 10th March

Kick-Off: 8:00pm (UK)

Venue: St James' Park