Hansi Flick watched from afar as the Champions League draw on Friday saw Barcelona matched against Newcastle United.
The two clubs facing a rematch, having played each other in the opening round of Swiss League matches in September.
That game saw Newcastle United fail to take first half chances and then found themselves two goals down as an excellent Marcus Rashford header and a wonder goal from the Man U loan player, put Barcelona in command.
The final stages saw Hansi Flick watching on anxiously as United finished the game strongly, Gordon pulling a goal back but Barcelona hanging on for a narrow 2-1 victory.
Now we are at the serious end of things and the Champions League last 16 draw has been made.
Hansi Flick reacting after drawing Newcastle United once again: “Every match is important and I’m not celebrating not facing PSG, we have to respect our opponents. Everyone wants to reach the final and Newcastle United also wants to win the Champions League. All opponents are tough. Newcastle United have a fantastic team and we saw that when we were there [at St James’ Park in September].”
The draw on Friday gave all teams their respective routes to the final, if winning their matches.
The winners of Newcastle United v Barcelona set to face Spurs or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Hansi Flick stating: “All the Champions League teams are very good and have great quality. Playing against Atletico or Tottenham if we get through, is also very difficult, they have a lot of quality. We have to play first. It’s fantastic to have this opportunity but we have to respect all the teams.”
Tyneside will host the home leg, Newcastle v Barcelona, on Tuesday 10 March at 8pm
Then the second leg, Barcelona v Newcastle, is on Wednesday 18 March with a 5.45pm kick-off.
All sixteen matches are detailed below in this Champions League last 16 round.
When the two clubs met in September, Hansi Flick said this to Spanish media in advance of travelling to Tyneside to face Newcastle United:
“Last season we didn’t play in England [in the Champions League] and now this is good for us.
“Newcastle’s stadium is a beautiful stadium.
“I followed them last season and they are doing well.
“Their technical staff is performing well and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Champions League last 16 first leg matches
Tuesday 10 March
Galatasaray v Liverpool (5.45pm)
Newcastle United v Barcelona (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Tottenham (8pm)
Atalanta v Bayern Munich (8pm)
Wednesday 11 March
Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal (5.45pm)
Real Madrid v Manchester City (8pm)
Bodo/Glimt v Sporting Lisbon (8pm)
PSG v Chelsea (8pm)
Champions League last 16 second leg matches
Tuesday 17 March
Sporting Lisbon v Bodo/Glimt (5.45pm)
Manchester City v Real Madrid (8pm)
Chelsea v PSG (8pm)
Arsenal v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm)
Wednesday 18 March
Barcelona v Newcastle United (5.45pm)
Liverpool v Galatasaray (8pm)
Tottenham v Atletico Madrid (8pm)
Bayern Munich v Atalanta (8pm)
So that means Newcastle United’s upcoming fixtures before the March internationals:
Newcastle v Everton (Saturday 28 February) 3pm
Newcastle v Man U (Wednesday 4 March) 8.15pm
Newcastle v Man City (Saturday 7 March) 8pm
Newcastle v Barcelona (Tuesday 10 March) 8pm
Chelsea v Newcastle (Saturday 14 March) 5.30pm
Barcelona v Newcastle (Wednesday 18 March) 5.45pm
Newcastle v Sunderland (Sunday 22 March) 12pm
If Newcastle United get past Barcelona?
Newcastle United would then play the winners of Tottenham v Atletico Madrid
Who Eddie Howe’s side could face in a potential semi-final
Bodo/Glimt, Sporting Lisbon, Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal.
Who Eddie Howe’s side could face in a potential semi-final
PSG, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Man City, Atalanta, Bayern Munich.
Round of 16: 10/11 and 17/18 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 7/8 and 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals: 28/29 April and 5/6 May 2026
Final: 30 May 2026 (To be held in Budapest)