Uefa: FC Barcelona and Newcastle United Prepare for Champions League Clash

By Vikram Nair / 18.03.2026

FC Barcelona is set to host Newcastle United at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match. The teams are coming off a closely contested first leg that ended in a 1-1 draw at St. James Park.

In the first leg, Lamine Yamal scored a dramatic last-minute goal to equalize for Barcelona. This match is crucial for both teams, as Barcelona aims to progress to the quarter-finals, having not won the Champions League since the 2014-15 season.

Barcelona currently tops La Liga and has been in impressive form at home, winning all seven of their home games in 2026, scoring at least three goals in each match. Their recent victory over Sevilla, where they won 5-2, further underscores their strong performance.

On the other hand, Newcastle United comes into this match unbeaten in their last six UEFA Champions League games. However, they will be without key midfielder Bruno Guimarães, who is sidelined due to injury.

Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, has indicated that this will be his last coaching job, stating, “Bara will be my last club.” He expressed his satisfaction with his current role, saying, “Everyone knows I’m happy here. I love working here.”

Should Barcelona progress to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, it will mark the 11th consecutive occasion they have advanced this far in the tournament.

The match will be broadcasted in various regions, including India on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony Liv, in the UK on TNT Sports 2 and streamed on Discovery+, and in the US on TUDN and streamed on Paramount+.

As the teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, the stakes are high for both clubs. Barcelona seeks to reclaim its former glory in Europe, while Newcastle aims to solidify its status as a competitive force on the continental stage.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the squad or tactics as both teams finalize their preparations for this crucial match.