The Magpies will do battle once again with Barcelona but despite the La Liga giants avoiding the champions there was respect moments after the draw
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick during a press conference at St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Wednesday September 17, 2025.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick warned his players that they must respect the challenge of Newcastle United in the last 16 of the Champions League.
After Barca avoided facing Paris St-Germain, the holders and team many fancy to win the competition, Flick was asked if he'd celebrated the fact it will be a clash against the 11th placed Premier League team rather than the Ligue 1 leaders.
But he was full of respect for Newcastle, and after only edging a clash against United back in autumn, Flick said: “Every match is important. 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 United 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 Atlético 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.”
The Magpies have taken on Barca twice in the Champions League before back in the 1997/98 season when they lost a dead rubber 1-0 at the Nou Camp.
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, embraces Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona
Eddie Howe embraces Hansi Flick in September's match at St James' Park(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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They also lost 3-1 during Robson's stint in charge when a Shola Ameobi goal wasn't enough to prevent defeat.
Eddie Howe had said on the prospect of drawing Barcelona, who United have already played and lost 2-1 too at home this term: "The Barcelona game at home was very similar. We deserved more from the game, we played very well. That would be a great tie too.
"We're in a great position where whoever we get, it's sort of mouth-watering for us and a great thing to look forward to."
Newcastle are at home first, on Tuesday, March 10 or Wednesday, March 11, with the away leg on Tuesday, March 17 or Wednesday, March 18.
Should Newcastle come through that tie, they will face the winners of Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
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