Newcastle United fans are buzzing after Eddie Howe’s side secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Qarabag, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate triumph in the playoff. The Magpies now face a mouthwatering—but brutal—clash against either Premier League rivals Chelsea or Spanish giants Barcelona.
The draw mechanics mean Newcastle (finishing 11th in the league phase) will take on whichever of the two finished lower in the standings—Barcelona (5th) or Chelsea (6th). First legs kick off March 10/11, with Newcastle hosting at St James’ Park.
So, who does Howe want? In post-match interviews, the Newcastle boss didn’t dodge the question entirely but kept his cards close. He admitted his team “enjoyed” the league-phase encounter with Barcelona (a narrow 2-1 defeat) and played well against Chelsea in a 2-2 Premier League draw at home earlier this season. “We didn’t win either match, so I hope something positive comes for us,” Howe teased, hinting at unfinished business.
But here’s the bombshell: Howe refused to pick favorites outright, insisting his squad is ready to “take on anyone” in knockout football. “With this group of players, we’ll back ourselves. Bring it on—whoever’s next!” he declared confidently. No explicit “I’d rather crush Chelsea” or “Barcelona is the one,” but his emphasis on competing with heavyweights and turning past draws/losses into wins has fans speculating wildly.
Many Toon supporters are secretly hoping for Chelsea—viewing it as more “winnable” given domestic familiarity and a potential three-game week frenzy (including a Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge on March 14). Facing Barcelona, however, would be a glamour tie against one of Europe’s elite, testing Newcastle’s mettle on the biggest stage.
Whatever the draw reveals on Friday, Howe’s message is clear: Newcastle aren’t here to make up the numbers. They’re here to cause upsets and go deep. Could the Magpies shock the world against either giant? One thing’s for sure—this Round of 16 showdown is set to be electric.
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