A 5-2 house win over Sevilla on Saturday nonetheless left Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick involved over his staff’s probabilities of progressing within the Champions League, warning his gamers to point out better conviction, play extra shortly and press higher when they’re out of possession in opposition to Newcastle.
The five-time European champions had been on the point of defeat of their last-16 first leg at St James’ Park, incomes a 1-1 draw via Lamine Yamal’s 96th-minute penalty in reply to Harvey Barnes’ purpose 10 minutes earlier.
”It is a large week,” stated Flick, whose staff are 4 factors away from Actual Madrid on the prime of La Liga and host midtable Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
“We have to be at 100% on Wednesday, in any other case we’re out of the Champions League. We have to do issues higher.
”There are numerous issues going properly however there are conditions on the pitch that aren’t incredible. We have to focus; Newcastle are an excellent staff.
“We now have to remain optimistic and optimistic; we’re able to successful this Champions League. However we have to enhance and ensure each participant reaches their finest degree.”
The Magpies proved Flick’s evaluation of them right once more with a 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday, shifting ninth with a fourth win in 5 away video games in all competitions via Anthony Gordon’s purpose.
“It’s a spherical of 16 second leg with all to play for,” stated Jacob Murphy, calling fellow winger Gordon “unbelievable”.
“We confirmed what we might do in that [first leg], so we’re able to go there and provides them a [challenge].
“We’ve learnt our classes. We’re rising as a staff and studying from these experiences. That was a giant factor that we [took from the first leg].”
The winners of the tie will face Atletico Madrid or Tottenham within the quarter-finals in April. These groups meet in London on Wednesday, when the Spanish aspect will begin 5-2 forward.
Barcelona v Newcastle staff information
Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are each out for Barcelona with thigh accidents, as is fellow defender Andreas Christensen (knee).
Midfielder Frenkie De Jong has a hamstring drawback however full-back Eric Garcia is about to return from damage. Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez, Gerard Martin and Yamal are a reserving away from suspensions.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes (hamstring) and defender Fabian Schar (ankle) are out injured for Newcastle. Versatile 19-year-old Lewis Miley (muscular) and midfielders Sandro Tonali (sickness) and Joe Willock (thigh) are doubts.
Willock, Dan Burn and Joelinton can be banned if they’re booked.
