Newcastle United

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Waddle says his former side Newcastle "deserved to win" Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg against Barcelona.

The Magpies were denied a famous win by a Lamine Yamal penalty with the last kick of the game.

"Newcastle were excellent," Waddle told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"You can't fault them. The fans played their part, the atmosphere was electric, and the team was really pumped up for it.

"We were waiting for them to run out of legs and they just didn't. Eddie Howe made his substitutions at the right time, the tempo stayed high. They put in a massive shift and I feel sorry for them because they deserved to win the game.

"I was expecting a lot more from Barcelona with the technical ability they have and the way they can keep the ball.

"Newcastle showed them little respect and took the ball off them many times. Barcelona tried to play but Newcastle didn't let them out and were all over them. They got in great areas, crossed the ball, and by the time they scored they thoroughly deserved it.

"It could have been two or three really, and then they give the penalty away and Barcelona got out of jail. It's cruel because they did not deserve the draw. They were a shambles really.

"It'll be a completely different game in Spain, Barcelona rarely lose at home. They will have had words.

"Newcastle's standard was absolutely excellent, but it will have to be even better next week. They should have nothing to fear after tonight's performance."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

St James' Park believed.

This side may be 12th in the Premier League for a reason, but Newcastle relish these European nights.

Although the overwhelming majority of these players had not even been born when Newcastle defeated Barca nearly 30 years ago, this was a chance for this group to make their own bit of history.

It certainly felt like a momentous occasion.

The noise was deafening before a ball was even kicked. Fireworks were let off into the sky before kick-off. A huge banner was unfurled in the Gallowgate End, which read: "Geordie boys are taking over, Budapest awaits for me."

The players fed off the atmosphere and did not show Barca undue respect - Joelinton even welcomed Lamine Yamal to Tyneside with a meaty challenge in the opening stages.

Newcastle gave as good as they got and, with the game finely poised, midway through the second half, Howe made an attacking triple substitution as he threw on Tino Livrameneto, Murphy and top scorer Anthony Gordon, who was too ill to start.

It soon paid off as Gordon picked out Murphy, who teed up Harvey Barnes to open the scoring.

Barnes left the field to a standing ovation after being taken off late on, but the devastated forward was ultimately left with his hands on his head on the bench after Barca's equaliser.

After keeping Lamine Yamal so quiet in open play all night, Newcastle were ultimately left to rue a late sucker punch.

Eddie Howe spoke to TNT Sports after Newcastle's draw against Barcelona: "I thought we were outstanding, a really, really good performance. We kept the intensity up. The moment at the end takes that in a negative light but one of our best performances."

On the Barcelona penalty: "I think it is soft but Malik makes contact.

"We had our shape, there's no way we should concede that goal. We will look at it but I don't want it override the 93 minutes before that in which we were quality.

"I thought we had enough to score before we did. The game showed we are capable but we know we probably have to give more going to their stadium. We are capable of doing it but we will need to be at our very best.

"It is my job to try and pick them up. We have unfortunately had to do that a few times this seasons but our strength of character should never be in doubt. We will be ready by the time the next game comes round.

"We believe in ourselves and our capability and we have shown that today."

Harvey Barnes also spoke to TNT Sports: "It is a bit of a strange feeling, we are only halfway through the tie, we played really well tonight, kept their dangerous players quiet. We got ahead with a good goal but the way it ended it is a tough one to take but we have to remember it is only halfway through the tie.

"We played really well in the game. We were on top for a lot of it.

"It will be a different sort of game at their place but we know what we can do and we know when we are at our level how well we can play.

"What a feeling it would have been to go there 1-0 up but we are level in the tie and all to play for. It is one game away from home where we can show what we can do.

"It will be an exciting game for us."

Did you know?

Newcastle extended their longest ever unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League to six games (W3 D3) and have only lost one of their last 10 matches in the competition (W6 D3).

Listen to Howe's chat with BBC Radio Newcastle here

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

What did you make of Newcastle 's display?

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Anthony Gordon only makes the bench as Newcastle United make three changes for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona.

The forward, who has scored ten goals in the competition, is not fit enough to start so William Osula leads the line tonight.

Dan Burn, Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey are, though, and the trio have been recalled following Newcastle's FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City.

Newcastle XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Ramsey, Joelinton, Elanga, Osula, Barnes

Subs: Pope, Ruddy, Harris, Botman, Wissa, Gordon, Livramento, J.Murphy, Woltemade, Willock, A.Murphy, Neave

Raphinha starts on his return to England as Barcelona make five changes for the trip to St James' Park.

The former Leeds United forward did not line up from the off against Athletic Club at the weekend, but comes back into the side tonight.

Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski also return to the starting line-up.

Barcelona XI: J. Garcia, Cancelo, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin, Pedri, Bernal, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Subs: Szczesny, Ferran, Rashford, Casado, Roony, Olmo, Eric, Kochen, Cortes, Xavi Espart, Tommy

There are four games in the Champions League on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Galatasaray v Liverpool (17:45) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Atalanta v Bayern Munich

• Atletico Madrid v Tottenham

• Newcastle v Barcelona - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Barcelona" for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Last week I sat on the fence and decided I would wait for the next week or two of games to play out before I started thinking about any significant change at Newcastle United. I was delighted, therefore, to see us roundly beat Manchester United (with 10 men, no less). Another week where I don't have to make a decision, I thought. Ideal. Let me coast through life like this. Let me float away.

Then of course Manchester City beat us and dumped us out of the FA Cup. Did we expect that? Yes, I suppose, is the short answer. So now, cup-less and in the bottom half of the Premier League table, we look to the Champions League as our one possible source of joy. Just as well we've got a nice easy opponent for the nex… oh. Oh, it's Barcelona. It's Barcelona who are already luxuriating in a north east spa hotel.

Howe has called this game 'the biggest in the club's history' which is difficult to agree with considering we won a domestic trophy, our first in nearly 70 years, only a year ago. Also, we have played Barcelona at home already this season.

But - to read his words more kindly, I think I understand the general sentiment. To make something of this season, to prove that we belong in these competitions, we have to take every match extremely seriously. It's hard. The squad is tired.

I remain uncomfortably on the fence though the pressure sores are becoming unbearable. The season hasn't been what we wanted it to be, and there isn't any more silverware coming our way. It's right to take every fixture seriously and try to finish as strong as possible and to acknowledge we need change in the summer, supported by better strategy and spending. What that change is remains to be seen, but we can't have another season like this and expect to challenge at the top of the league.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer was talking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast about Tuesday's Champions League game between the Magpies and Barcelona (20:00 GMT).

"It doesn't get much bigger. One of the biggest clubs in the world with some of the biggest players and best players in the world," he said.

"It'll be a huge test for Newcastle. They'll have to be right on it on every single position.

"Newcastle have worked extremely hard and done extremely well in the Champions League this season - a lot better than they have in the league - they've earned the right to play one of the biggest and it should be a great occasion."

Manchester City beat Newcastle 3-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

"Obviously knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, which was disappointing... particularly the second-half performance which was weak," said Shearer.

"You've always got a right of reply as a player and a manager. What better way to reply than hopefully beating Barcelona. It's going to be tough.

"I think there will be lots of goals because of the way that both teams have defended, particularly Newcastle have been really poor defensively this season and Barcelona play this high line.

"I've watched them, worked on Barcelona a couple of times this season, particularly when they played at Stamford Bridge, when they scored three goals and could've been a lot more.

"If Newcastle get their system right tonight and I'm pretty sure they'll play a lot of pace up front because that reason then I think they will cause them problems.

"But it's at the other end that we have to try and keep them out. With the attacking talent that Barcelona have, that's easier said than done.

"I think it'll be a high-scoring game. That means hopefully goals. I'm going to be a romantic and go for another 3-2 win for Newcastle."

Access Newcastle United audio with BBC Sounds

Newcastle are determined to hold on to midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 28, and are engaged in contract talks with the Brazil international despite Manchester United's interest. (Caughtoffside), external

Newcastle and England defender Tino Livramento, 23, is not close to agreeing to join Manchester City in a summer deal despite speculation. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Lewis Hall could not help but smile.

Lamine Yamal has given defenders across the globe nightmares, but the Newcastle United left-back grinned at the prospect of coming up against the gifted Barcelona forward on Tuesday night.

"He's a special talent," he said before the first leg of Newcastle's last 16 Champions League tie at St James' Park.

"I've seen him play in enough Champions League games. I know what he's about.

"If I'm to be selected, I'm really looking forward to it. I want to test myself against the best players in the world so no better opportunity to do so."

Newcastle will need a similarly fearless approach to pull off a famous result, but they do not have to look too far for inspiration.

Hall was born seven years after Newcastle's memorable 3-2 win against Barcelona in 1997.

However, the boyhood Newcastle supporter needs no reminding about the night Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick.

"I knew what an iconic moment that was," he said. "Tomorrow is going to be another opportunity where we can put in another performance that the fans and the club can look back on as a real turning point."

Hall's father, Colin, who passed on his love of the club, will be among those watching on proudly, knowing how far his son has come.

The defender endured a difficult adaptation period after leaving Chelsea and moving away from home for the first time in 2023.

Hall eventually found his feet at Newcastle, but he suffered a serious foot injury last season, which resulted in him missing the Carabao Cup final as his side ended a seven-decade wait to win a major domestic trophy.

But such challenges have only made the 21-year-old stronger.

"To now be playing in the round of 16 in the Champions League is incredibly special considering where I've come from," he added.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona at St. James' Park (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Tino Livramento is back in the squad and Howe confirmed the defender has the possibility of playing, but they need to find the "balance" with him as he returns from injury. He also confirmed there has been illness in the camp, but is hopeful that will not rule anyone out for Tuesday.

• The Newcastle boss feels the role of being "underdog" has "helped us at times when we've been in that position where we feel the odds are stacked against us". He added: "We're going to need to use every psychological tool that we can to help us in this game because it's undeniable, we're playing a very, very good team. An outstandingly well-coached team."

• Howe is hopeful they can "learn lessons" from their two-leg semi-final defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup as they look to find the balance and "not do anything foolish" that could impact their chance of progressing from the tie.

• On setting the tone from the start: "A good start I think is really important. But, as you saw against Manchester City at the weekend, it's not the be-all and end-all. Of course you want to set the authority in the game, you want to show your opponent that you mean business, but we have to carry that through for the whole game. We have to be there at the end just as much as we are at the beginning."

• On the romanticism of and taking inspiration from the Magpies' only other win over Barcelona in 1997: "There's only 16 teams left, and we're one of them, so I think it's very much an opportunity to grab a moment that we may never get again. You don't know what life brings tomorrow, let alone future seasons. We don't want to waste that opportunity. We don't want to kick ourselves and think 'what if?'. This is a moment for us to try and grab."

• Having already lost to Barcelona 2-1 in the group stage this season, Howe feels they had their "moments" but they didn't take them, while the Catalan giants did take theirs. However, his side can "take a lot of confidence from our performance for the majority of the game".

• Asked whether coming through this tie would be his greatest achievement with the club, he responded: "I don't care about myself and my record or what people think, it's for the club. I'm desperate for the club to break new ground and to keep going in this competition having worked so hard to get here. We're all thinking of the club, we're trying to support the players to give the best performance that we've given so far. I think we're going to need to break new ground in terms of performance level."

Listen to full commentary of Newcastle v Barcelona on Tuesday from 20:00 GMT on BBC Sounds

Got a question about Newcastle? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie between Newcastle and Man City.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Tony: We are miles away from being a top side. We can compete for about 30 mins by playing at our most energetic and highest level, then we run out of steam and ideas. Same against Liverpool earlier in the season. Woltemade is not a midfielder and Wissa and Elanga are shadows of the players they were last season. Barca will no doubt give us another footballing lesson this week. Roll on the summer and hopefully a more productive transfer window and a reset of only PL and domestic cup football next season.

David: You only had to look at who was on the Man City bench to appreciate this was never going to end well. Last summer highlighted that identifying quality players to recruit is one thing but persuading them to move to us is another.

Nigel: Sadly a now typical performance after an exhilarating game previously and a true reflection on the season. Fast start leading to a slowing down. Puzzling starting 11, slow subs and a lost opportunity. I feel NUFC have concentrated on the wrong game (Barcelona) and have missed the boat. No matter, onwards and upwards. HWTL.

Leslie: Yet again, two goals from unmarked players in the box speaks for itself. Too many ball watchers in defence. Nobody looks were the opposition is. It's the same every game.

City fans

Brian: Job done and next round secured. Fans are happy and at least three trophy hopes remain alive. Aggressive and defensive tactics won the day. Man City came to win and they won in style. Days as good as this are worth the recent heartache. Man City are very much a cup side and this sends big messages to Arsenal and Real Madrid. This was City at their best.

Russ: Is our B team better than our A team? After a nervy start City controlled the game far better than mid week v Forest. As good a second half performance as I've seen in weeks.

Youssef: Chuffed with the lads, our energy was superb. We could have bagged many more, but the win is all we needed and we continue to fight for the quadruple. One of the best City performances this season. Who said our form always dips in the second half?

Ian: A great team performance which left Newcastle void of any ideas. Big shout out to John Stones the Barnsley Beckenbauer. When he's fit and on form, there's not a better defender in the country.

Image source, Getty Images

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says Saturday's defeat by Manchester City "harshly showed how big the gap is" between Pep Guardiola's side and Newcastle.

Despite making 10 changes and going 1-0 down early, City recovered well to comfortably progress and end Eddie Howe's side's dream of returning to Wembley through the FA Cup - having also knocked the holders out of the Carabao Cup last month.

"It was ominous really," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Newcastle were very good for 20 minutes, half an hour, got the lead, and then the fatigue caught up with them.

"Man City made 10 changes and you just wouldn't have known. They were so good. They were the best team I've seen this season in the way they kept the ball, manipulated Newcastle, made them run and chase the ball.

"It's what Barcelona used to do in their pomp to tire teams out.

"It was a sobering reality check for Newcastle because there's been some rather overexcited talk emanating from the boardroom from the Saudi Arabian owners and the CEO about being in the conversation about being one of the best clubs in the world and to be competing for the top domestic and European honours by 2030.

"That's four years away.

"City have played Newcastle five times this season, beaten them four times and knocked them out of both cup competitions. They are the standard-bearers for what makes an elite club in this country and Europe and Newcastle are way off it.

"Saturday night harshly showed how big that gap is. They have done brilliantly under Eddie Howe and closed that gap, gone from relegation battles to the Champions League, but to make that leap is huge and I don't think they do it in four years.

"It's not just this game in isolation, it's what happened in the Carabao Cup semi-final too.

"Nine or 10, but certainly nine, of City's heavily-rotated second string would get into Newcastle's starting XI. I don't see how they close that gap in four years."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on Newcastle on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show.

"I think Newcastle have got a great manager in Eddie Howe," he said.

"I think he's really impressed with everything he does and they just after time build slowly over the next few years.

"For the fans I'm sure they want obviously to taste a trophy, but they'll have to just try to be patient with it and they will be frustrated at times because they won't be challenging for titles or whatever, but I think they can get there gradually over the next five or so years."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Pundits Ellen White and Glenn Murray join host Kelly Somers to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday and Sunday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Port Vale 1-0 Sunderland

• Fulham 0-1 Southampton

• Leeds 3-0 Norwich

• Wrexham 2-3 Chelsea

• Newcastle 1-3 Man City

• Mansfield Town 1-2 Arsenal

• Wolves 1-3 Liverpool

Manchester City are closing in on Newcastle United's England full-back Tino Livramento, 23. (Football Insider), external

Newcastle are showing a strong interest in signing versatile English midfielder Marcus Tavernier, 26, from Bournemouth. (Teamtalk), external

Real Madrid scouts watched Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, 25, as his Newcastle team were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City on Saturday. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

It was a sobering reminder for Newcastle United.

If one was even needed about the gap boss Eddie Howe's side have to bridge on Manchester City.

Newcastle had taken the lead against the much-changed visitors at a buoyant St James' Park.

They went into half-time level, with the chance to regroup after Savinho equalised in this FA Cup fifth-round tie.

But Newcastle soon found themselves 3-1 down after chief tormentor Omar Marmoush haunted them once again.

"That was a tough learning lesson for us in that second half," Howe said afterwards. "We just didn't have the strength to make a dent in them."

CEO David Hopkinson even boldly stated his vision was "to be in the debate about being the top club in the world" by 2030.

But such talk feels jarring at the moment.

"There's no excuses today," defender Kieran Trippier told TNT Sports. "We got beat by the better team."

Leaky Newcastle have now conceded 38 goals in 26 home games in all competitions this season.

It is their most in a campaign at St James' Park since 1978.

"City are a top side and we have to take it on the chin today," Trippier added.

In truth, Newcastle have no time to dwell on this defeat before the visit of Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at St James' Park on Tuesday (20:00 GMT).

Howe even went as far as to call that match the "biggest game" in the club's history.

"We need to approach it that way and we need the supporters to think that way," the Newcastle head coach added.

"We need to try and find some energy from somewhere that will elevate our performance to a level that we've not seen before this season because I think that's the only way we get through."

Read more on Newcastle's gap to the top

Ciaran Kelly
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The message was clear once the teamsheets dropped.

Although Newcastle have a Champions League last-16 tie to come against Barcelona on Tuesday, Howe only made four changes.

This was not only Newcastle's best chance of silverware but also their best route to get back into Europe next season.

The hosts started the game showing they knew it.

Newcastle quickly got a buoyant crowd into the game, and their press forced Manchester City into uncharacteristic misplaced passes at the back. Howe's team grabbed the opener.

But the tie then got away from them far too easily as they dropped deeper and deeper and saw their midfield bypassed time and time again.

How leaky Newcastle will rue the manner of both Savinho's equaliser and Omar Marmoush's first goal after crosses were not cut out and the pair were not picked up.

The visitors just never looked like getting back into it, but they have little time for a hangover.

Those supporters who stayed until the end repeatedly chanted "Eddie Howe's black and white army", and Newcastle will certainly need St James' at its ferocious best when Barcelona visit on Tuesday.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to TNT Sports after the defeat by Man City: "Good start from us, really good for half an hour. There's probably two things that happened. We couldn't sustain our start in terms of energy but they also played really well. We just have to accept that.

"I felt we maybe ran out of gas, certainly in the second half but also towards the end of the first half. You have to say they were a very good side. We needed the ball to try and generate pressure but we couldn't get enough of it.

"The crowd were magnificent today. They didn't have a lot to shout about after that initial period but they stayed with us and were cheering at the end. We will need them for the Champions League."

Did you know?

• Newcastle have lost four games in all competitions against the same opponent in a single season for the very first time.

• Newcastle have conceded 38 goals in 26 home games in all competitions this season, their most in a campaign at St James' Park since 1977-78 (44).

• Harvey Barnes' 13 goals for the Magpies this season is his joint-most in a single campaign in all competitions in English football.

Hear more from Howe below on BBC Sounds