It's Barcelona!
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
Our first ever game in he Champions League knock-out stage will be a first leg home tie against the Spanish giants, Barcelona.
A bull fight to the last 8
We'll be locking horns with Barcelona for the second time this season after they won 2-1 at SJP in the group stage.
The Lads competed well that night but were undone by two moments of brilliance that is always on when you play a team full of galacticos.
However, this tie is not a formality in Barcelona's favour.
Hansi Flick's team conceded in every group game - leaking fourteen goals in eight games, including three in a loss to Chelsea and also in a 3-3 draw with Club Bruge.
When Herr Flick took the Barcelona job his first Allo 'Allo to the squad was that he wanted to play a high line, akin to the Siegfried Line that formerly protected Germany.
However, whilst the Siegfried Line was a defensive fortification, the Herr Flick High Line has caused more defensive problems than it has solved for the Catalan team.
And this is where we can attack their weak point.
Eddie Howe's recent ploy of using Gordon as a ST flanked by two pacey wingers could shoot through that high line, destroy their defence, and win the battle at SJP and the Nou Camp.
If we can get a home win, especially by two goals or in more, then Barca will have to come out all guns firing in the second leg and that could open up even more assaults on the break for our front three.
This isn't the all conquering Barcelona of past years, they are still very good, but not invincible.
Newcastle have saved their best and most consistent performances for the Champions League this season.
Beating Barcelona in the bull fight to the last eight isn't beyond Eddie Howe and his squad of matadors.
Bring it on!
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Its confirmed.
Tue 10th of march 8 pm barcelona home
Wed 18th of march 5 45 pm barcelona away
Glory against Barcelona or Gory against Chelsea.
Not a difficult choice.
Onmeedsun
According to the bbc fixtures it is on the Tuesday with the away game on Wednesday
It's also on uefa's website
https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/02a2-2006b3a44399-ef84527ea9a9-1000/uefa_champions_league_-_2025-26_-_round_of_16_schedule.pdf
Updated odds on CL Via skybet
Arsenal 9/4
Bayern munich 5/1
Barcelona 6/1
Man city 13/2
Liverpool 9/1
PSG 9/1
Real madrid 11/1
A madrid 14/1
Chelsea 22/1
Newcastle 22/1
Spurs 22/1
Sporting lisbon 40/1
Bodo glimt 40/1
B leverkusen 66/1
Atalanta 80/1
Galatasaray 175/1
Newcastle 13/1 to get to the final
Gordon 10/1 for the golden boot