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Why is Barcelona v Newcastle kicking off early? talkSPORT commentary for huge UCL tie

Barcelona and Newcastle will battle for a spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

It's evenly poised heading into the second leg of their tie following a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park.

Newcastle celebrate scoring against Barcelona.

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Barnes put Newcastle ahead and on the cusp of a huge win over BarcelonaCredit: Getty

Harvey Barnes opened the scoring with four minutes left to play last Tuesday with an unmarked volley in front of the Gallowgate End.

However, Newcastle conceded a penalty during stoppage time when Malick Thiaw brought down Dani Olmo.

Lamine Yamal then buried his spot-kick to ensure five-time winners Barca avoided a shock defeat on Tyneside.

They will host the Magpies at Camp Nou, with Tottenham or Atletico Madrid awaiting in the last eight.

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Why is Barcelona v Newcastle kicking off at 5:45pm?

This tie will get underway at 5:45pm UK time on Wednesday evening.

The first leg was played at 8pm, but TV scheduling means that they will be the first of four scheduled matches.

UEFA introduced 5:45pm kick-offs for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in 2021.

Last week, it was Galatasaray v Liverpool in the Tuesday slot, and then Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal on the Wednesday.

The staggered kick-off times allow television viewers to watch more of the action, and fewer overlaps for the match broadcasters.

Alongside increased revenue for clubs and broadcasting companies, global audiences have more timezone-friendly matches.

Lamine Yamal celebrates for Barcelona against Newcastle.

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Yamal's late penalty means there's all to play for in the second legCredit: Getty

Barcelona v Newcastle: How to follow

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Champions League clash at Camp Nou.

Joe Shennan will be alongside former England striker Dean Ashton.

Tune in to talkSPORT through the website via the live stream or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the talkSPORT app.

Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest odds and bet boosts for every big event.

Subscribe to our talkSPORT YouTube channel for news, views and analysis plus our regular goals show and for more, follow us on talkSPORT Facebook and talkSPORT X.

The match will also be broadcast on TNT Sports 2.

Robert Lewandowski and Dan Burn in the Champions League.

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Barcelona and Newcastle will play the first match of Wednesday's scheduleCredit: Getty

Barcelona v Newcastle: Team news

Wednesday night's hosts Barcelona look set to still be without three defenders against Newcastle.

Andreas Christensen has been dealing with a knee issue, whilst Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde recover from hamstring injuries.

Frenkie De Jong will also be unavailable with a hamstring problem.

Newcastle will still be missing club captain Bruno Guimaraes due to a hamstring issue.

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Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar are also out after undergoing surgery on their respective knee and ankle.

Lewis Miley could return to the side after missing the first leg with a thigh problem.

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