Newcastle United latest news: Newcastle United were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United’s season could be over in just a few days' time. In all honesty, it’s as good as over now. Only a special European night at St James’ Park can save it.
Newcastle United’s last chance at domestic silverware was ended by Manchester City in one of the most comprehensive away performances you’re likely to see. From the 20th minute onwards, City were in total control on Tyneside and even though they were trailing following Harvey Barnes’ opener, it felt like it was just a matter of time before they restored parity.
They duly did so through Savinho and then were ahead just after the break when Omar Marmoush once again netted against the Magpies. The Egyptian has now scored seven past Newcastle United with 50% of his goals for the Citizens coming against the black-and-whites.
Newcastle United will undoubtedly be glad to see the back of Marmoush and City with Saturday night’s match their fifth, and almost certainly their last, meeting with the sky blues this season. There is very little from that game that will live long in the memory of Newcastle United fans - but Tuesday night could be very, very different.
Newcastle United’s make or break Barcelona clash
As soon as Sam Barrott’s whistle signalled the end of Newcastle United’s FA Cup hopes, attention immediately turned to Tuesday night and the visit of Barcelona. Once again, the Magpies will be facing familiar opposition but this time, they are out for revenge.
Their first-ever knockout last-16 Champions League clash is a huge one, of course it is, but it is a huge one that has been made even more significant by the fact that their hopes of progression likely all depend on the 90 minutes that will be played on Tyneside in less than 72 hours time.
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To stand any chance of progression, they must secure a good result at home to take to the Camp Nou. St James’ Park can provide them the platform to do that and Eddie Howe’s rallying call to supporters shows just how much the players will need their fans to back them up.
“We've never been in this position in the Champions League before, and it's the best competition there is,” Howe said. "So, for obvious reasons, I think it's a massive game in our history. We need to approach it that way. We need the supporters to think that way.”
Barcelona, though, have already shown that they are capable of dealing with whatever the St James’ Park crowd throws at them and whilst the fans can give the hosts a boost, it is the players on the pitch that must deliver. Too often this season, Newcastle United have flattered to deceive in really big matches.
They have done it at times, Wednesday night was the perfect example of that, but the fans and the atmosphere can only give them so much. They have to do their talking on the pitch.
Very rarely does a whole season, especially one with as many games as this, hinge on a single game, but that is the reality facing Newcastle United right now. Barcelona or bust.
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