Barcelona – Newcastle United

The guests will behave very well in Catalonia

As a result of the draw after the completion of the Champions League qualifying playoff round, Barcelona could face in the Round of 16 either PSG or Newcastle. The English club then seemed a relatively acceptable option. Especially when recalling the group stage of the Champions League, when PSG handed the Blaugrana a 2-1 defeat in Catalonia. However the first leg on English soil showed that the word lucky cannot describe such a draw. Newcastle and Barcelona showed, overall, an even match. Statistically, Eddie Howe's men took more shots on goal and earned more corners, but in other metrics the teams were roughly equal. When in the 86th minute Harvey Barnes got the score to 1-1, the Newcastle-favoring numbers on the scoreboard, at least, were not displeasing. However they could not secure an advantage ahead of the return leg for the Magpies. In stoppage time of the second half Malik Tiaw committed an unnecessary foul in his own penalty area, for which his team was punished from the spot by Lamine Yamal - 1:1. Bookmakers identified the home team as the favorites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.56 on their victory. Barcelona, alongside the Champions League, continues the title race with Real Madrid in La Liga. After the Sunday victory of the Catalans over Sevilla, the lead over the royal club with ten rounds to go remained at four points. Overall, the Catalans are in good spirits and have clear tasks for the return contest with Newcastle. The team under Hansi Flick will not take risks or expose their defense and will rely on methodically destabilizing the opponent's defense. The Magpies will be ready for such a game. Newcastle is a very tough opponent for teams like Barcelona. Moreover, after two matches this season against the Catalans, the Magpies already know well what to expect from them on the pitch. At least, a week ago Newcastle looked considerably better against Barcelona than in last autumn's group stage. Last weekend Eddie Howe's side beat Chelsea in London. The only goal of the match was scored by Anthony Gordon. The visitors will show their best qualities against Barcelona and will play a worthy game.