Newcastle United

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United supporters called it.

"Is this the way to Barcelona?" they repeatedly sang during the course of their side's victory against Qarabag on Tuesday night.

So it proved after Newcastle were drawn with the La Liga leaders in the last 16 of the Champions League.

There is plenty of history in this fixture, whether it is Sir Bobby Robson's links to both clubs or Tino Asprilla scoring an unforgettable hat-trick in Newcastle's win in 1997.

The current generation also know each other pretty well, of course.

Newcastle suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in their opening game of the league phase at St James' Park back in September.

Although Barcelona dominated possession, as expected, Newcastle players and staff took a lot of belief from their display in the opening half an hour in particular, when the hosts spurned a number of opportunities to open the scoring.

While some supporters would have preferred to face Chelsea, the chance for Newcastle to test themselves against Barcelona, the five-time winners, in the knockout stages is the whole reason the club are in the competition.

The first leg at St James' naturally feels pivotal.

Newcastle would have rather have had the return fixture back on Tyneside but if Eddie Howe's team are to stand any chance of going through, they need one of those nights on home soil before the return fixture at the Nou Camp.

No wonder Howe labelled it a "mouth-watering" prospect.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Anthony Gordon's future at Newcastle, as head coach Eddie Howe urged the forward to stay "fully focused" after being linked with a move to Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Jason: We need to keep hold of Gordon!! Have to do everything we can to hold to our best players! Gordon has had a great season for Newcastle so keeping hold of Gordon is vital.

Robin: Gordon has been an excellent signing for the Toon. He's a key member of the squad, and in recent weeks his flexibility to play as an out-and-out number nine or a left winger has produced amazing results. Gordon must stay!

Richard: Newcastle must hang onto their star players, how else will they break into the elite? Gordon must know that a starting place with Arsenal is far from guaranteed, and the grass is not always greener.

Chris: Makes no sense. Where would Gordon slot in at Arsenal? Who would he playing ahead of? When he's on form, he's a guaranteed starter for NUFC. Can't say that would be the case if he were to move. He's a great player, but inclusive at times. Stay put.

Phil: I think, as with any club, players are talked about. He didn't throw his toys out the pram to engineer a move to Liverpool, who he apparently supports, so I don't see him doing anything like that now either. I'd love him to stay but as ever, every player has a price and if it's stupid money it'd be stupid to turn it down.

Andy: Although he is an incredible athlete whose energy and running has been so valuable to the team's rise, I feel we could find a better player whose vision, passing, and crossing could create more goals for our strikers and the team as a whole.

Stuart: I wouldn't be surprised if he left in the summer. Hopefully he has a strong end to the season to boost the potential fee we would recieve. He's a frustrating player for me - exciting to watch but not enough goals.

Colin: Sell him, only wants to play in Champions League games.

Head coach Eddie Howe has urged Anthony Gordon to stay "fully focused" after the Newcastle United forward was linked with a move to Arsenal.

Gordon is the latest key figure at the club to have been subject of reported interest elsewhere.

We wondered what you expect for Gordon's future? Stay or go? Would you be devastated or accepting? What do you want to see from him?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

The Champions League last-16 draw has been made and a route to the final has been plotted for all six Premier League sides in the competition.

The first legs will be played on the 10 and 11 March, the second on 17 and 18 March.

Here are the ties:

• Atalanta v Bayern Munich

• Atletico Madrid v Tottenham

• Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal

• Bodo/Glimt v Sporting

• Galatasaray v Liverpool

• Newcastle v Barcelona

• Paris St-Germain v Chelsea

• Real Madrid v Manchester City

Get live reaction and consider your route to the final here

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Howe said Jacob Ramsey will train today and "fingers crossed" he hopes he will be fit to face Everton.

• He also provided an update on Tino Livramento's recovery: "I think Tino will be early March. He has done well, he has been training and running for a period of time. I think when he comes back, he will be in a good place."

• On Lewis Miley's injury: "We've just been advised with Lewis to be really careful with this injury. A knock of that type is usually a couple of days but there's muscle disruption. I think we're looking at a couple of weeks. If we don't get the management of this injury right, he could be out for the season."

• Howe was asked about Bruno Guimaraes who is continuing to recover in his native Brazil: "I've had some good contact with Bruno. He seems very positive about his injury. He is putting in a lot of work and being looked after. We really hope he can come back and give us a real boost before the end of the season but we have to treat his injury carefully. With the hamstring you have to be really careful."

• On Friday morning's Champions League round of 16 draw: "It's really special, really positive for us. Just grateful we can't get Man City! We're looking forward to what the draw brings and the games when they come round. I'm sure we'll hear about it on the training ground but we'll be focusing on tomorrow's game."

• Howe was asked whether newspaper reports linking Anthony Gordon with a move away could disrupt the player: "Only if he reads it. In this age we're in there's always rumour and speculation. I don't see 90% of it, the players probably see more than I do. It comes with the territory of being a top player. You have to put it out of your brain and focus on the football."

• Is there a campaign to unsettle his top players after Gordon links: "You tell me. It is your industry who is creating those stories."

• On the challenge posed by the Toffees: "Everton have done really well on their travels, they've been a really tough team to beat. Their record has been fantastic, David's teams are very difficult to score against so it's a game in which our attacking play has to be really good and our defensive work has to be improved from recent weeks."

Hit play above to hear more from Howe or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Newcastle v Everton on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds

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

Newcastle United are looking at Brighton's Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City's English stopper James Trafford, both 23, as they target finding a long-term successor for England international Nick Pope, 33. (The i Newspaper - subscription required), external

Newcastle are also watching Union Saint-Gilloise winger Anan Khalaili. The 21-year-old Israel international has scored three times in the Champions League this season. (Mail+ - subscription required), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

After much soul-searching Harvey Barnes finally pledged his future to England, and not Scotland. I admire and respect his decision and suspect he will be in next month's England squad for the friendly against Uruguay.

Even so, getting in the final World Cup squad itself is a bit of a long shot considering the conveyor belt of talent that Thomas Tuchel can choose from. The 28-year-old Barnes has only had 17 minutes of international experience with England up until now, so what a finale to the season he will have to produce to change that narrative.‌

He would certainly have made the Scottish World Cup team, had he decided to don the tartan bunnet, but maybe that attire would have felt uncomfortable for a proud Englishman, I get that.

I wish him well; there is no bitterness from this Scot, but I feel he might have made the wrong decision in terms of his chances of ever actually playing at a World Cup.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Former Newcastle full back John Anderson talks about Sandro Tonali being back at his best: "The problem Sandro Tonali had was that he set the standard so high at the start of the season... It was difficult to keep that up all season."

Hit play above or listen to more Newcastle audio BBC Sounds here

This is your Newcastle page. Bookmark it, or if you're logged in on the BBC Sport app, press the bell icon and select news alerts. If you're logged in on a desktop, press 'follow' and you'll start seeing more Newcastle content when on the site.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on who you would prefer as your opponents in the Champions League when the draw is finalised on Friday. Will Newcastle have a better chance to progress further against familiar, domestic opponents? Or do you want the glamour of a clash with Barcelona?

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: No matter which you prefer - it will be Barcelona. No way Uefa will let Barca meet PSG so early in the tournament.

Terry: Playing in European competitions is all about setting your standards against the best. So Barcelona for me.

Darren: I'd prefer Barca, first game being at home as well, however still a tricky game ahead.

John: Barcelona every time. We play Chelsea at least twice every season. European football is about new experiences and excitement and I'm hoping for a special performance from the lads.

Allan: We have a chance against Chelsea.

Ben: I would prefer a clash with Barcelona. While Chelsea are familiar, I think that's the reason I'd want Barcelona. This season has proven to me that our high-pressing style hasn't worked as well with English teams. We've had to adapt. The Champions League shows that it still works against European opposition.

Ed: Both very good teams, but Barcelona better - so Chelsea please.

Lewis: Rather play Barcelona as it would be good seeing Newcastle play strong opposition outside of England.

Herbert: Chelsea. I think over two legs the chances are a lot higher than Barca. Barca would be amazing as a place, but if you look at it through a footballing standpoint, Chelsea is a lot more winnable.

Newcastle are into the last 16 of the Champions League after a comfortable 9-3 victory over Qarabag.

Watch the highlights from the second-leg, which finished 3-2, at St James' Park below.

The draw for the knockouts is set to be made on Friday (11:00 GMT).

Eintracht Frankfurt's 22-year-old Germany defender Nnamdi Collins is the subject of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton and Brentford. (Teamtalk), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Newcastle defender Alex Murphy says his Champions League debut was a "real special feeling" after starting against Qarabag on Tuesday.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "When you're a kid, that's kind of what you dream of, just lining up and the anthem coming on. I did get goose bumps when the anthem came on, and it was a really special feeling just just knowing that you're actually about to play in the Champions League. It was a really good feeling - and hopefully I get many more.

"The season obviously hasn't been easy. I've wanted to go out and play more games, and I thought I would probably play more games.

"When you're getting minutes, it kind of gives you hope. And I think tonight was a big opportunity to me, and I was really grateful to get in from the start.

"I know every minute you get you have to show that you can do something and bring something to the team. I've totally done that, so I was happy."

On starting his debut at left-back and finishing the match at left centre-back: "I've played both those positions most of my life, to be honest. So it's nothing new to me. I'm very familiar with it.

"Probably, long term, I see myself as a left back, but I don't mind as long as I'm playing."

Hear more from Murphy by hitting play above or on BBC Sounds here

Another Magpies debutant, Leo Shahar, said: "Obviously, getting into the round of 16 hasn't been done before, so making history with this Newcastle United team is massive.

"I got called over by the coach, and I was just like: 'OK, here's my moment, so I've got to relish it and get on the pitch.'

"I was always hoping, based on the scoreline, that this could be my day, but I fought that for the past couple games. You've always got to stay ready. I wanted to get the minutes, so I'm happy."

Hit play below to hear more from Shahar or listen here on BBC Sounds

Meanwhile, former Newcastle defender John Anderson has said it was "good to see the young boys get opportunity".

Analysing the game for BBC Radio Newcastle, Anderson said: "Murphy did OK. He was nice and safe - didn't take any chances. He looked more comfortable and assured at centre-back.

"The fact he's played 90 minutes in the Champions League is great for him.

"Shahar came on too, and for those two young boys it's a night they will remember."

Listen to the full-time chat between Ando and BBC Radio Newcastle's Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck below or here on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

So, Dwight Gayle has had his say, external on who he believes Newcastle will want to face in the Champions League last 16 when the draw is made on Friday.

The Magpies will either be pitted against Premier League rivals Chelsea or Spanish giants Barcelona in a rematch of the opening game of the league phase with a romantic visit to the Nou Camp for the first time since 2002.

So, we want to know who you would prefer as your opponents.

Will you have a better chance to progress further against familiar, domestic opponents? Or do you want the glamour of a clash with the Catalonians?

Let us know here

And come back to this page on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

Newcastle United have no plans to cash in on in-form winger Anthony Gordon this summer. (Talksport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts on Tuesday's 3-2 win over Qarabag in the Champions League as Newcastle safely reached the last 16.

Here are some of your comments:

Tony: Well, let's start with the important thing, we are through to the next round, and comfortably after the first-half demolition job in Baku. After a fast start at St James' Park, we lost focus and took our foot of the gas. Too many players had an average night against an average opponent. Nick Woltemade doesn't look confident in possession and lacks the physical attributes required to play in midfield. Jacob Murphy is wasteful in possession but improved with his crosses in the second half. Will Osula just doesn't look like a Premier League-standard player. On a positive note, Alex Murphy looked comfortable at left-back and Sandro Tonali ran his socks off.

Richard: Scoring two goals inside the first 10 minutes just killed this game as a spectacle. I don't think you can realistically expect our players to go at it hammer and tongs when the game is so clearly won. I know they're supposed to be professional, but really, when you're 8-1 up on aggregate you're going to take your boot off the pedal. Great debut form young Alex Murphy. He looked the part.

Ozzy: First half wasn't too bad but, despite Anthony Gordon coming on in the second half and looking back to his best, many of the team were poor after the break. Thankfully, Tonali mopped up a lot of other players' mistakes during the match or the score could have been even more embarrassing. The team are certain to raise their game against Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round.

Bryan: I know it was a kind of dead rubber but very disappointed with the performance of our forward players, with the exception of Harvey Barnes. The lack of quality is alarming. We desperately need to recruit better in the next transfer window.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle says the clubs' owners will be "very happy" they appointed Eddie Howe after their 2021 takeover because of the journey he has taken the Magpies on since his appointment.

Howe has followed up ending the clubs' long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup last season with qualifying his side for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time.

"It's been absolutely amazing," Gayle told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"I think Newcastle's owners with the takeover looked for someone who they could keep for 10 years and take the club forward.

"In terms of bringing the club together, the players around, and the fans - they almost feel like one.

"I'm sure they will be very happy at that decision and Eddie Howe has taken them to the next stage in terms of winning a trophy and now being in the last 16 of the Champions League which is such an amazing feat.

"I'm so pleased for all the boys who have been there throughout all of this as well. To see them being successful is amazing and I'm sure they'll be really confident going into the next round.

"They have got a lot of players who have come back from injury and they look really strong now. I think they will be full of confidence going into that round of 16."

The Magpies can now look forward to Friday's draw knowing either Chelsea or Barcelona wait in the round of 16.

"Knowing a lot of the boys, I think they will want Barcelona," Gayle added.

"They will be less equipped for Newcastle's counter-attacks and their high line can be caused problems by fast attackers.

"Eddie will be absolutely buzzing to get to grips with the tactical side of things and I think he'd come up with a cunning plan to look after the attacking threat of Barcelona as well. That is a tie that the boys would be buzzing with."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Jacob Murphy did not think twice.

The Newcastle United winger had just been asked whether he wanted Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"Anyone," he immediately responded on Amazon Prime after his side beat Qarabag 3-2 to secure a dominant 9-3 win on aggregate.

"Honestly, with this group of players, we will take anyone on. Especially with knockout football, we back ourselves. Bring on whoever's to come."

It was a mindset shared by his manager.

Newcastle have achieved their initial target of reaching the next round, but head coach Eddie Howe does not want his side's journey to end yet.

He believes his team can "raise our game and compete with anybody".

"We have to believe in ourselves," he said. "We have seen the best of ourselves when we have gone into cup games and one-off games, where we have been able to rise to whatever challenge we have had in front of us.

"We will have to go in with that mindset again, whoever we get in the next round."

Read more from Ciaran on Newcastle's progress

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

A lot can change in two and a half weeks.

Eddie Howe was the first to admit he was not doing his job "well enough" after his side were defeated in their last game on home soil earlier this month.

Newcastle were booed off by a section of supporters following a bruising 3-2 loss against Brentford at St James' Park.

But this side have responded - and how - since then with four wins in five matches.

No wonder, then, the home support unfurled a tifo of Howe in the Leazes End before kick-off.

A buoyant Newcastle raced out of the blocks - but such are the standards Howe has set that he was not completely satisfied even after his side took such an early lead and urged them to win the ball back quicker.

You suspect Howe was not best pleased when Qarabag went on to pull one back. Nor was Kieran Trippier for that matter, who launched the ball back into the centre circle after his side were denied a clean sheet on the night.

But this was a dominant aggregate victory as Newcastle broke a club record by winning six Champions League games in a single campaign for the first time.

They have reached the last 16 for only the second time, previously getting to the second group stage in 2003.

A big test awaits in the next round, but supporters are daring to dream.

"Is this the way to Barcelona?" they repeatedly sang. "Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? Geordie boys are taking over – Champions League awaits for me!"

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to Amazon Prime: "I thought at 2-0 we probably came off the pedal. We didn't intend to do that, but it was sort of the natural reaction. In the second half, the game became end-to-end which, for us, was a real shame. For one, we extended too much energy, and it meant we didn't put pressure on their goal, so we're disappointed with that 45 minutes."

On Nick Woltemade's performance: "I think the main thing we've been saying to him is to stay between the lines. Certainly don't come away from their midfield line to still be a goal threat because he's 6ft 7[in], he should still be a target from crosses. There were a few balls there that on another day he could've got on the end of because we want him to score goals. That's part of the reason we brought him here.

"I think there were moments for him, but I think that was the least impact he's had in that position for us."

On reaching the knockouts: "This was our target at the start of the season. We discussed various things and to get to the knockout stages was there for us and we felt we could achieve it with the players we have. It's been a really exciting phase of this competition. We've really enjoyed the different challenges.

"The knockout stage will be a different challenge for us at the sharp end against elite teams, so everything to look forward to. But at the back of my mind we have to get our Premier League form back to where we want it to be and that will give us the best chance to do well at this competition as well."

On whether he wants to face Barcelona or Chelsea: "Genuinely, I haven't given it a second thought. I know those teams have been there for us. The main thing was to get through and be really pleased with the professional job we've done.

"I think if you look at the score over the two legs, it's been fantastic from the players even though today feels like a bit of a hollow win for us. We had really enjoyed the game against Barcelona. We had a good game against Chelsea here as well. We didn't win either, so I hope that's a good omen for us."

On the fan banner dedicated to him before the game: "Amazing. Big thank you to everyone that thought of that idea. It's much appreciated the love that the supporters give me and the team. It means everything."

Hit play below to hear more from Howe or listen on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Newcastle are just the third English team to score 9+ goals in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage tie, after Man City against Schalke in 2018-19 (10) and Arsenal against PSV last season (9).

• Newcastle's Harvey Barnes has been involved in eight goals in 10 UEFA Champions League games this season (5 goals, 3 assists), as many as he has in 33 appearances across all other competitions this term (7 goals, 1 assist).

• Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier became the third English defender to provide 10 assists in the UEFA Champions League, after Ashley Cole (12) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (11).

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

Have your say on Newcastle's display

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Newcastle United are in action in the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Qarabag.

Follow live text and radio commentary of the game - and watch 5 Live Champions League Final Score - here.

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.