With the Champions League title looming, Eddie Howe encourages Newcastle to take their performance to another level.

Newcastle United, nicknamed the "Magpies," took the lead in the fifth round of the 2025/26 FA Cup thanks to a goal from Harvey Barnes, but conceded three goals in the remaining time, ultimately losing 1-3 to Manchester City, nicknamed the "Citizens." Although they were eliminated from the FA Cup, Eddie Howe encouraged his team to elevate their performance and level of play to unprecedented heights when competing in the Champions League.

In the match against Manchester City, Tonali played a through ball in the 18th minute, and Harvey Barnes received the pass and slotted the ball into the net, giving Newcastle a 1-0 lead. In the 39th minute, Doku broke through the defense in the penalty area and passed back to Savio, who fired a low shot into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Manchester City.

In the 47th minute of the second half, Nunes passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Malmush controlled it before firing a shot into the net, giving Manchester City a 2-1 lead. In the 65th minute, Nunes again assisted Malmush to score. Ultimately, Newcastle were eliminated by Manchester City with a 1-3 defeat.

It is worth noting that Newcastle will host La Liga giants Barcelona at St James' Park in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, which will be another tough match, but also another opportunity for the Magpies to compete for the title.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said, "In a very short time, we are about to play the most important game in the club's history. We have never been at this stage in the Champions League before, which is the top competition in the world."

In the league stage, Newcastle finished 12th with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. In the Champions League play-offs, Newcastle defeated Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate to advance to the round of 16.

Eddie Howe continued, "We need our fans to have the same mindset as us. We must find our energy and elevate our performance to a level we may never have reached this season, because I think that's the only way we can get through this series."

In addition, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the 27th round of La Liga, thanks to a goal from Yamal, and successfully built momentum for their Champions League Round of 16 match.

Barcelona midfielder Fermín said, "We will go into this game with the feeling of victory, and we know it will be a very difficult game, played on a difficult pitch, and our opponents are very physically strong. We hope to play a great game and win."

Image source: Internet