"Having managed to return from the first leg at St James' Park with only a 1-1 draw, the Blaugrana have to win today in order to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. However, it could be easier said than done, considering that Newcastle United put up a solid fight in the first leg and go into the game high on confidence after beating Chelsea."
"At the same time, though, Barcelona have an exceptional record since returning to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou in November, where they are unbeaten. The Blaugrana prepared for the tie with a resounding 5-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga over the weekend and will look to carry that momentum forward to eliminate Newcastle and progress in the European competition."
"Hansi Flick & co. will have to do it without some important players, as Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde are all out injured, along with Andreas Christensen. There will be some changes made to the starting XI that took the field against Sevilla, and here's how Flick is likely to set his Barcelona team against Sevilla."
Barcelona faces Newcastle United in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 at Spotify Camp Nou. After drawing 1-1 in the first leg at St James' Park, Barcelona must win to progress to the quarterfinals. Newcastle arrives confident following a victory over Chelsea and a solid first-leg performance. Barcelona enters the match unbeaten at their renovated home stadium since November and recently defeated Sevilla 5-2 in La Liga. However, Barcelona will be without key injured players including Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Andreas Christensen. Manager Hansi Flick will make adjustments to the starting lineup, with Joan Garcia in goal, Eric Garcia returning at right-back, Joao Cancelo at left-back, and Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin forming the central defensive partnership.
Read at Barca Universal
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