Newcastle United have drawn Barcelona in the Champions League.placeholder image
Newcastle United have drawn Barcelona in the Champions League. | UEFA
Barcelona insiders have reacted to drawing Newcastle United in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has told the first-team squad they must deliver the "perfect" performance against Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s men welcomed the Catalans to St James’ Park in September, losing 2-1 in a closely fought affair. The Magpies held their own, failing to make early pressure count and were admittedly recovering from a hectic summer window.
Both clubs will renew hostilities for the last 16, with Barca one point clear at the top of La Liga. Newcastle were given a fairytale draw on Friday as fans began dusting off their passports to hit the partially revamped Camp Nou next month.
Deco reacts to Barcelona draw
Speaking after the draw, Barcelona chief Deco have an insight into how the inner walls of the Camp Nou feel about playing Newcastle. He said: "The match against Newcastle (in September) has been one of the best we have performed throughout the season, both at a defensive and offensive level and in the control of the game.
“Against PSG we also played well, although in the second half we dropped the level. The one in Newcastle was perfect and that means that, if we want to go through, we will have to do it perfectly. It will be a very tough match against one of the best fanbases in the world, who push a lot and give energy to the players.
"Historically, the Premier is very competitive, in which it is played with a lot of intensity. We will have to fight to have the ball and be forceful both at an offensive and defensive level. If we do it, we have chances to win against anyone. So we must face it like this, although the most important thing now is the match against Villarreal.”
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Hansi Flick on Newcastle United
Barca manager Hansi Flick downplayed suggestions they were happy to draw Newcastle. By doing so, the La Liga giants avoided a tie with Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.
“Every match is important,” Flick said on Friday. “I’m not celebrating not facing PSG. We have to respect our opponents. Everyone wants to reach the final, and Newcastle also wants to win the Champions League.
All opponents are tough. Newcastle have a fantastic team, and we saw that when we were there. All the Champions League teams are very good and have great quality. Playing against Atletico or Tottenham if we get through is also very difficult, they have a lot of quality.
"We have to play first. It’s fantastic to have this opportunity, but we have to respect all the teams.”
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