A 5-2 home win over Sevilla on Saturday still left Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick concerned over his team’s chances of progressing in the Champions League, warning his players to show greater conviction, play more quickly and press better when they are out of possession against Newcastle.
The five-time European champions had been on the brink of defeat in their last-16 first leg at St James’ Park, earning a 1-1 draw through Lamine Yamal’s 96th-minute penalty in reply to Harvey Barnes’ goal 10 minutes earlier.
”This is a huge week,” said Flick, whose team are four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and host midtable Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
“We need to be at 100% on Wednesday, otherwise we are out of the Champions League. We need to do things better.
”There are many things going well but there are situations on the pitch that aren’t fantastic. We need to focus; Newcastle are a very good team.
“We have to stay positive and optimistic; we’re capable of winning this Champions League. But we need to improve and make sure every player reaches their best level.”
The Magpies proved Flick’s assessment of them correct again with a 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday, moving ninth with a fourth win in five away games in all competitions through Anthony Gordon’s goal.
“It’s a round of 16 second leg with all to play for,” said Jacob Murphy, calling fellow winger Gordon “unbelievable”.
“We showed what we could do in that [first leg], so we’re ready to go there and give them a [challenge].
“We’ve learnt our lessons. We’re growing as a team and learning from these experiences. That was a big thing that we [took from the first leg].”
The winners of the tie will face Atletico Madrid or Tottenham in the quarter-finals in April. Those teams meet in London on Wednesday, when the Spanish side will start 5-2 ahead.
Barcelona v Newcastle team news
Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are both out for Barcelona with thigh injuries, as is fellow defender Andreas Christensen (knee).
Midfielder Frenkie De Jong has a hamstring problem but full-back Eric Garcia is set to return from injury. Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin and Yamal are a booking away from suspensions.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) and defender Fabian Schar (ankle) are out injured for Newcastle. Versatile 19-year-old Lewis Miley (muscular) and midfielders Sandro Tonali (illness) and Joe Willock (thigh) are doubts.
Willock, Dan Burn and Joelinton will be banned if they are booked.
