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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe’s side secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16 with a 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabag.
The Magpies, who were 6-1 up on aggregate following their first-leg dominance in Baku, triumphed 3-2 on home turf to book them a last-16 tie against either Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round. Eddie Howe’s side will find out who they play in that round when the draw is conducted on Friday.
Jacob Murphy, who played a portion of the second half wearing the captain’s armband on Tuesday night, told Amazon Prime: “It was job done. We had to come in today with a professional head.
“You could see that the tie wasn't done until it was all over. We made hard work of it at times but we got off to a flying start and the damage was done then.”
Asked who he and his teammates wanted to play in the next round, Murphy confidently replied: “Anyone. Honestly with this group of players we'll take anyone on, especially with knockout football we back ourselves. Bring on whoever's to come.”
As mentioned, Chelsea or Barcelona lie in wait for them in the next round - both teams that they have faced once this season. Barcelona were, of course, their first opponents in the league phase of this competition in a match played on Tyneside way back in September.
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Two Marcus Rashford goals were enough for the La Liga giants to take home all three points. The Blues, meanwhile, left St James’ Park in December with a point after recovering from 2-0 down.
They were managed by Enzo Maresca at the time who has since been replaced by Liam Rosenior. If Newcastle United do draw Chelsea on Friday, then they will play the Blues three times in succession with a two-legged Champions League tie sandwiching a Premier League meeting between the clubs at Stamford Bridge.
Dwight Gayle’s Newcastle United prediction
Whilst a match against Chelsea may be viewed as more winnable than one against Barcelona, the romance of playing a Champions League match at the Camp Nou once again is a very alluring one. Dwight Gayle, though, believes that Howe’s side will thrive against Barcelona if they are drawn against them.
“Newcastle thrive off of counter attacks and bringing in Gordon and Wissa up front is vital for them,” Gayle told BBC. “Knowing all of the boys in the dressing room, they will be excited about who they get in the next round.
“They will buzz off someone like Barcelona and that will create an unbelievable tie. To continue this run is perfect for them and now that everyone is fit again, they will be hungry for more silverware.”
Newcastle United will find out if it is indeed Chelsea or Barcelona before they kick a ball again. A clash against Everton in the Premier League, once again at St James’ Park, awaits them on Saturday before they host Manchester United in the league on the night of Wednesday 4 March.
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