Barcelona will host Newcastle United in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash on Wednesday, March 18, with kick-off scheduled for 8:45 PM (EAT) at Camp Nou.
The tie is finely balanced following a dramatic 1-1 draw in the first leg at St James’ Park. Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle a late lead before Lamine Yamal struck deep into stoppage time to ensure Barcelona head into the return leg on level terms.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick admitted that his side underperformed in the first leg despite salvaging a draw, and he will be expecting a much sharper display at home.
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The Catalan giants have been consistent in attack, scoring in nearly all of their recent Champions League matches, but defensive lapses remain a concern, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 games in the competition.
However, history favours Barcelona in such scenarios. The five-time European champions have a strong record in two-legged ties after drawing away from home and have consistently performed well against English opposition at Camp Nou.
They also come into this fixture in excellent form after a convincing 5-2 victory over Sevilla FC, a result that strengthened their push for domestic and European success.
Newcastle United arrive with confidence of their own after edging Chelsea FC 1-0 in the Premier League, thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon.
Manager Eddie Howe praised his side’s defensive resilience in that match and will be hoping they can replicate their first-leg performance in Spain. The Magpies have impressed in Europe this season and have shown they can compete with top sides.
Barcelona vs Newcastle United team news
Barcelona will be without Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen due to injuries.
Yamal is expected to return to the starting lineup after recovering from illness and is on the verge of equalling Kylian Mbappé’s record for most Champions League goals scored before turning 19.
For Newcastle, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain sidelined, while Sandro Tonali will be assessed ahead of the match.
Gordon is expected to lead the line after missing the first leg but impressing at the weekend.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Barcelona:: Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
- Newcastle United: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Barcelona vs Newcastle United head to head and current
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, with both teams showing their attacking quality. Barcelona have historically enjoyed strong results against English opposition at home, while Newcastle are still seeking to break new ground in the competition, having never progressed beyond the round of 16.
Form Guide
- Barcelona (Champions League): D L W W W D
- Barcelona (All Competitions): W W W W D W
- Newcastle United (Champions League): D W D W W D
- Newcastle United (All Competitions): W L W L D W
Barcelona vs Newcastle United prediction
Another tightly contested encounter is expected, with both teams capable of finding the net. Newcastle have shown resilience and quality, but Barcelona’s experience and home advantage could prove decisive.
