Eddie Howe has described Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona as the biggest game in Newcastle United's history. The Magpies host Hansi Flick's side at St James' Park, with the tie representing the club's deepest run in European competition.
Howe, who rarely makes bold claims, said: 'Barcelona is the biggest game in this club's history. It's massive. It's an opportunity to grab a moment we may never get again. We don't want to waste that opportunity.' Newcastle have never reached this stage of the Champions League before, though their past includes cup finals and league title challenges.
Barcelona, who beat Newcastle 2-1 in September's league phase, arrived in the North East on Sunday after a 1-0 win over Athletic Club. They are staying at Matfen Hall in Northumberland before a light training session on Monday. Flick's side lead La Liga by four points and are favourites, but Howe believes the underdog role suits his team.
Howe has urged his players to channel the spirit of 1997, when Kenny Dalglish's Newcastle beat Barcelona 3-2 at St James' Park thanks to a Tino Asprilla hat-trick. 'You want people in future years to be talking about this team,' he said. 'I want our players to be talked about in the same way, 20, 30, 40 years later.'
Newcastle, 12th in the Premier League after an inconsistent season, face a Barcelona side with Marcus Rashford potentially returning from injury. Howe emphasised the need to win individual duels and embrace the occasion. 'If there's a time for us to be at our absolute best, it's in these two games,' he added.
