Overview
- Newcastle host Barcelona in the Champions League round‑of‑16 first leg at St James’ Park on Tuesday after a 3-1 FA Cup exit to Manchester City.
- Eddie Howe called it the club’s biggest game and said he protected Joelinton and Anthony Gordon against City; Tino Livramento returned, while Bruno Guimaraes, Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain out and Jacob Murphy is a doubt.
- Hansi Flick rested stars in a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona are set to be without Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Andreas Christensen for the trip.
- Raphinha said he feels fresh following recent recovery, and reports indicate teenager Marc Bernal should be available despite illness that cut short his outing in Bilbao.
- Barcelona’s Fermin López warned of a demanding night at St James’ Park against a physical Newcastle side, as local debate over pre‑match fan conduct has intensified ahead of the tie.