With the score sitting at a dominant 7-2 in the 83rd minute, Garcia overextended while attempting to stop a shot. Unfortunately, the Spanish goalkeeper was unable to get back to his feet, forcing the club into an unexpected goalkeeper change despite the massive lead.

Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny entered the fray for the final minutes to see out the victory. Early reports suggest that Garcia suffered an injury to his left leg, though Barcelona are expected to reveal more details in the coming hours to determine the severity of the issue.

Barcelona need Joan Garcia back as soon as possible

By defeating Newcastle 8-3 on aggregate, Barcelona have secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, having Garcia back for the intense final stretch of the season will be vital to the team’s success.

Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday before the international FIFA window at the end of March. Following the break, the Blaugranas return for a high-stakes La Liga match against Atletico de Madrid on April 4—a duel that could be repeated in the Champions League quarterfinals if the Colchoneros manage to eliminate Tottenham.

While Wojciech Szczesny is a reliable veteran, Barcelona have found a truly outstanding presence in Garcia. For that reason, the club is undoubtedly hopeful that the Spaniard’s injury is not severe and that he can return in time for this challenging upcoming schedule.

Joan Garcia will likely miss Spain’s clash with Serbia

Following the cancellation of the Finalissima against Argentina, Spain announced a replacement fixture for the March international break. La Roja are now set to face Serbia on March 27, though it is increasingly unlikely that Joan Garcia will be available for the match.

While the final squad list has not yet been officially unveiled, Garcia was widely expected to receive his first senior call-up from coach Luis de la Fuente. The manager will likely wait for a full medical report on the calf injury Garcia sustained against Newcastle before determining if the goalkeeper can participate in this international window.

After knocking Newcastle out of the tournament, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid. Atleti eliminated Tottenham in the round of 16, setting up a Spanish duel in the quarterfinals.

Because Atleti defeated Tottenham by a score of 5–2 in the first leg, Barca could reasonably expect their next opponent in the UEFA Champions League to be Diego Simeone’s side. However, until the second leg was played, they couldn’t rule out any scenario. Now, it’s confirmed: Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will battle for a spot in the semifinals.

Barcelona’s path to UCL final

If Barcelona are serious about conquering their sixth UEFA Champions League title, then they must get past the best clubs in European soccer. In the quarterfinals, the Catalan side will face Atletico Madrid.

If Barcelona move on to the semifinals, then their next opponent would be the winner of the QF matchup between Arsenal and Sporting CP. A potential showdown against Real Madrid would have to wait until the final, as “Los Merengues” are on the other end of the bracket.

Barcelona’s UCL record against Atletico

Barcelona will take on a familiar opponent in the quarterfinals. As Barca goes up against Atletico Madrid, the Catalan side will look to turn around its head-to-head record against the Madrid club.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other four times in the UEFA Champions League. Barca have won once, drawn another, and lost twice to Atleti. Both times the two clubs met came in the quarterfinal stage, and Atletico advanced on both occasions (2013–14 and 2015–16).

As a fun fact, Atletico went on to lose to Real Madrid in the final both times. In the 2025–26 UCL, the two Madrid-based clubs could meet in the final as well.

UCL quarterfinals bracket

• Liverpool vs PSG
• Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
• Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
• Arsenal vs Sporting CP

The Dutch midfielder remains sidelined with a significant hamstring tear in his right distal biceps femoris, an injury that has disrupted Hansi Flick’s tactical spine at a critical juncture of the season.

With De Jong officially ruled out, Flick must now pivot to find a creative solution in the double pivot, as the playmaker is not expected to return to the squad until after the upcoming international break.

The injury crisis extends to the Blaugrana backline, where Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are both unavailable due to thigh injuries sustained in early March.

The Magpies are also without the defensive stability of Fabian Schar and the midfield presence of Bruno Guimaraes, both of whom remain out with long-term knocks.

Winner eyes potential Madrid clash

The stakes extend beyond tonight’s result, as the winner of the Barcelona-Newcastle tie is slated to face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham in the Champions League quarterfinals.

A resilient Newcastle side—buoyed by the return of Anthony Gordon—look to pull off a historic upset and eliminate one of the tournament’s betting favorites on their home turf.

Official Barcelona lineup vs. Newcastle

In the absence of De Jong, the burden of creativity falls squarely on the shoulders of Pedri and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Gavi also returns to the matchday squad to provide a much-needed emotional and defensive lift for Flick’s depleted rotation.

FC Barcelona Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

[Watch Barcelona vs Newcastle online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The first leg of this Round of 16 clash was far tighter than expected. Barcelona entered as favorites but were pushed to the brink and needed a late response just to salvage a draw after nearly suffering defeat on the road.

Now the series moves to Spain, where the Blaugrana aim to take advantage of home field and secure a place in the quarterfinals, while Newcastle travel with confidence, believing they can pull off a major upset and return home with a historic qualification.

When will the Barcelona vs Newcastle match be played?

Barcelona will face Newcastle this Wednesday, March 18, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is set to kick off at 1:45 PM (ET).

Barcelona vs Newcastle: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:45 PM
CT: 12:45 PM
MT: 11:45 AM
PT: 10:45 AM

How to watch Barcelona vs Newcastle in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Barcelona and Newcastle. Catch all the action live on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Paramount+, UniMás, TUDN and ViX.

The match began with a frantic first half that saw Barcelona take the lead twice through Raphinha and Marc Bernal, only for Newcastle‘s Anthony Elanga to equalize both times. However, the momentum shifted permanently just before the break when Lamine Yamal converted a penalty to send the Catalan giants into the locker room with a 3–2 lead.

In the second half, Barcelona left no doubt. Fermin Lopez extended the lead early in the period before Robert Lewandowski scored a brace. Later, Raphinha added his second of the night in the closing stages to complete the 7–2 rout. Hansi Flick’s side now awaits the winner of the Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham series to determine Barcelona’s opponent in the final eight.

Barça come into the game needing a clear result to secure qualification, while Eddie Howe‘s men arrive with the advantage—or at least the confidence—of knowing that a disciplined performance could be enough to see them through.

As fans track every goal, substitution and VAR check, the scenarios remain front of mind: What happens if Barcelona win? What if they draw? And what if Newcastle pull off the upset? Each outcome carries vastly different consequences.

What happens if Barcelona beat Newcastle today?

If Barcelona win, they qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Because the first leg ended 1-1 at St. James’ Park, any win at home in the second leg gives them the advantage on aggregate and sends them through to the next round.

There are no complications here: a 1-0, 2-1, or any winning scoreline would be enough. Since the away goals rule no longer exists in UEFA competitions, the only thing that matters is the total aggregate score across both matches.

Advancing would put Hansi Flick‘s men into the quarterfinals, where they are expected to face the winner of another Round of 16 tie (Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham, with Atletico holding the edge after the first leg).

What happens if Barcelona and Newcastle tie?

If Barcelona and Newcastle draw, the match goes to extra time—and possibly penalties. Since the first leg finished 1-1, any draw in the second leg (0-0, 1-1, 2-2, etc.) would leave the aggregate score level.

Under current UEFA rules, that means the tie cannot be decided in regular time. In that scenario, the teams would play 30 minutes of extra time. If the score is still tied after extra time, the winner would be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Newcastle today?

If Barcelona lose, they are eliminated and Newcastle advance to the quarterfinals. Any defeat in the second leg would give Newcastle the edge on aggregate after the 1-1 draw in the first leg.

There is no margin for error: unlike group-stage play, knockout ties are decided strictly by aggregate goals, and a loss automatically ends Barcelona’s Champions League campaign.

For Newcastle, a win would mark one of the club’s biggest modern European achievements, sending them into the quarterfinals and continuing their strong run in the tournament.

The match began with high intensity from the English side, who dictated possession and created several dangerous opportunities in the final third. However, Barcelona managed to stabilize their defense as the half progressed, and both teams headed into the interval scoreless.

In the second half, the Spanish giants showed more attacking intent, but Newcastle remained disciplined in their tactical approach, frustrating the visitors as the match seemed destined for a draw.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 86th minute when Jacob Murphy delivered a pinpoint cross that found an unmarked Harvey Barnes inside the box. Barnes clinical finish sparked celebrations across the stadium and appeared to secure a crucial victory.

However, with the final whistle approaching, the referee awarded a penalty to Barcelona after Joe Willock fouled Marc Casado inside the box. Yamal stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, leveling the score and leaving the series wide open for the decisive second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou next week.

The Dutch midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during a training session with Barcelona in late February 2026. Medical tests confirmed damage to the outer lower hamstring (distal biceps femoris).

With Barca beginning a crucial knockout tie in the Champions League, his absence is a huge blow for Hansi Flick’s men as they aim to come back home with a positive result ahead of the second leg in Spain. Follow our liveblog of Newcastle vs Barcelona and don’t miss a single thing!

When will Frenkie de Jong play again?

Frenkie de Jong could return to action in late March or early April if his recovery goes as planned. The Barcelona midfielder is expected to miss around five to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in late February.

According to ESPN and Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, his estimated return date is around late March, although the exact timing will depend on how well he progresses through rehabilitation and training.

Because it occurred shortly before the Champions League knockout stage, the Dutch international is also expected to miss multiple domestic matches and potentially the upcoming international window with the Netherlands.

The club’s medical staff will likely avoid rushing his comeback to prevent aggravating the injury. When he returns, he is expected to reclaim a central role in Barcelona’s midfield.

What happened to Frenkie de Jong?

De Jong’s injury occurred during a routine training session ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures. After further evaluation, the medical team confirmed that the midfielder would need several weeks of recovery and rehabilitation.

His absence is significant because he often acts as the team’s primary ball-progressor and tempo controller in midfield. Without him, the coaching staff has had to rely on alternatives such as Pedri, Fermin Lopez or younger midfielders.

[Watch Newcastle vs Barcelona online in the US on Paramount+]

A quarterfinal spot in the UEFA Champions League will be at stake when Newcastle United meet Barcelona in a highly anticipated clash. Newcastle may lack Barcelona’s long history in Europe’s top competition.

However, the English side has shown flashes of quality and will look to challenge the favorites. Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive with greater experience and strong domestic form, though the Spanish giants know they must stay focused to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Follow Newcastle vs Barcelona in our liveblog!

When will the Newcastle vs Barcelona match be played?

Newcastle play against Barcelona this Tuesday, March 10, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is set to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

Newcastle vs Barcelona: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch Newcastle vs Barcelona in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Newcastle and Barcelona. Catch all the action live on Paramount+. Other options: ViX.

In the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, teams advance based on the aggregate score across both legs, meaning goals from the first match carry directly into the return fixture.

That makes every possible result important in the opening clash. Whether Barcelona win, draw or lose, the outcome will shape the tactics and expectations for the decisive second leg as both clubs chase a place in the quarterfinals.

What happens if Barcelona beat Newcastle?

If Barcelona beat Newcastle in the first leg, they would take an advantage into the second leg of the Round of 16. A win would give the Spanish side a lead on aggregate before the return match at home, putting it in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Because the knockout rounds are played over two legs, what matters most is the total number of goals scored across both matches (aggregate score). If Barcelona win the first leg, they would only need to protect or extend that lead in the second leg to advance.

For example, if Barça win by one or two goals, Newcastle would be forced to overturn that deficit in the return game. The English side would need to win the second leg by enough goals to either equalize or surpass Barcelona’s aggregate total.

What happens if Barcelona and Newcastle tie?

If Barcelona and Newcastle draw the first leg, the tie would remain completely open going into the second leg. Neither team would have an advantage on aggregate, meaning the return match would essentially decide everything.

In this scenario, whichever club wins the second leg would automatically advance to the quarterfinals. If the second game also ends in a draw and the aggregate score remains level, the match would move to extra time and potentially penalties to determine the winner.

The away-goals rule is no longer used in the UEFA Champions League, meaning goals scored away from home do not carry extra value. Because of that change, a draw in the first leg simply sets up a winner-take-all second leg, with both teams starting on equal footing.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Newcastle today?

If Barcelona lose the first leg, Newcastle would take the advantage heading into the second leg of the Round of 16. The English club would lead the aggregate score, meaning Barcelona would need to overturn that deficit in the return match.

The size of the defeat would matter. If Barcelona lose by one goal, they could still level the tie with a one-goal win in the second leg. If they lose by two or more goals, they would need an even bigger victory at home to stay in the competition.

However, even in that situation the tie would not be decided yet. Because the knockout stage is played over two matches totaling 180 minutes, Barcelona would still have a full second leg to try to reverse the result.

If they manage to equalize the aggregate score after the second game, the matchup would go to extra time and potentially penalties to decide who advances.

Still, in the Premier League, anything can happen. Teams can be favorites on paper, but the game is played on grass. Manchester United were reminded of that tonight as they fell to a Newcastle side that played a man down for most of the match.

After Jacob Ramsey was shown two yellow cards in the first half, the Magpies kept fighting and broke the deadlock with a penalty from Anthony Gordon. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as Casemiro equalized in the final play of the first half. Heading into the dressing room, it felt as though Man United would dominate the second half; instead, aside from a late push by the visitors, Newcastle managed to weather the storm.

When the home side was under the most pressure—suffocated by the Red Devils’s surge—William Osula embarked on an incredible individual run, finishing with a beautiful strike to restore the lead. Although referee Peter Bankes allowed play to extend far beyond his initial added minutes, the visiting side could not find an equalizer.

With the win, Newcastle moved up to 12th in the table with 39 points. Meanwhile, Manchester United remains 3rd (thanks to goal difference), as they are level with Aston Villa at 51 units.