Barcelona v Newcastle LIVE: Team information as Gordon makes Champions League return after Shearer and Rooney criticism
Newcastle head to Barcelona and the iconic Camp Nou looking to keep their Champions League dream alive following a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park last week.
Lamine Yamal’s 96th-minute penalty rescued a draw for the visitors in the last-16 first leg, after Harvey Barnes had fired Eddie Howe’s side in front. It means Newcastle have it all to do as they visit the Spanish league leaders, but the Magpies secured a confidence boosting 1-0 win at Chelsea at the weekend.
Anthony Gordon scored the winner at Stamford Bridge before responding to “nonsense” from Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, who criticised the winger after he was unable to start the first leg against Barcelona due to illness. The England international is back in the side, though, as Newcastle plot a famous upset on their first trip to Barcelona since December 2002 and their biggest Champions League night in a generation.
Follow updates from Barcelona v Newcastle below
Pigeons and Magpies
The Magpies have already been out to inspect the Camp Nou surface, not long after some pigeons landed on the hallowed turf.
Barcelona XI: J Garcia; E Garcia,Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Confirmed teams
Barcelona XI: J Garcia; E Garcia,Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
Flick outlines Barca target
Hansi Flick, meanwhile, was emphatic when discussing the La Liga leaders’ goal for this season: nothing short of silverware.
“There’s a lot of quality in the squad, and I think we’re capable of winning this Champions League, though we need to improve,” he said last night. “Right now, the important thing is that everyone is available and at their best. That’s the most important thing heading into the next month.”
Including Lamine Yamal. “He’s the player who can make the difference,” Flick added. “He trained fantastically yesterday and today too.”
Howe’s key to victory
Some more from the Newcastle manager here. Asked yesterday what his team needs to advance to the quarter-finals, he unsurprisingly said “a bit of everything.”
“We will try to be ourselves,” he said. “A defensive mentality [like] against Chelsea [whom they defeated at Stamford Bridge on Saturday] – blocking shots, defending in numbers. But also a bit of what we do best – our running capacity, our athleticism. There has been a really good battle between their midfield and ours in both games. We are going to need to be very good in our duels. The battle in midfield will go a long way to deciding the game.”
Howe understands the importance
In his pre-match press conference Eddie Howe said that a win tonight would “probably” be the biggest of his career. But the Newcastle manager is also confident that his team will not “shrink” against their Catalan hosts.
“We have many, many internationals in the squad so I don’t see that as an issue,” he said. “We have enough players who can cause them problems. We’ll enjoy the game, but we’ll only truly enjoy it if we deliver. I think we’re in a good place to do that, and the players are probably as confident as they’ve been in any stage this season. “
What is the Newcastle team news?
A late call will be made on the availability of Sandro Tonali after the Newcastle midfielder returned to training on match eve having been unwell. Lewis Miley is likely to be out until after the international break, but Joe Willock should be fit to feature.
Possible XI: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
What is the Barcelona team news?
Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong remain absent for Barcelona, but Lamine Yamal should return to the starting side after illness.
Possible XI: Garcia; Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
When is Barcelona v Newcastle and how to watch
The second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT on Wednesday 18 March at Camp Nou in Barcelona.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 5pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.
Good evening and welcome
The Champions League tie between Barcelona and Newcastle is finely poised after a competitive first leg last week.
Eddie Howe’s side produced an impressive performance against the Catalan club at St James’ Park, and will be disappointed to have not taken a lead into the second leg.
Lamine Yamal’s stoppage-time penalty cancelled out a late opener from Harvey Barnes to leave it all still to play for with a quarter-final spot up for grabs.
Can Newcastle enjoy a famous European night and reach the last eight? Stay tuned for the build-up.
