Flick Faces Crucial Lewandowski Call as Barcelona Clash with Newcastle—Team News and Starting XI Revealed
After a six-week hiatus, Barcelona makes their return to Champions League competition as they face Newcastle United in the opening leg of the round of 16 this Tuesday evening.
The Catalan club entered the 2025–26 campaign determined to restore their reputation on Europe's premier stage and reach their first Champions League final in more than ten years. While Hansi Flick's squad may have their sights set on Budapest, they must first navigate their way there—starting with their journey to St James' Park.
Barcelona enters this crucial match brimming with self-assurance. They're currently riding a four-match winning streak and leading La Liga, plus they previously overcame the Magpies 2–1 during the group stage last September. However, the knockout phase brings significantly higher pressure, leaving minimal margin for mistakes for a squad dealing with multiple important player absences.
Barcelona Face Major Dilemma in Attack
Barcelona Confronts Significant Offensive Challenge
The era of Flick's Barcelona routinely netting five goals against opponents has passed. The Catalans struggle with offensive consistency, with most issues stemming from their striker position complications.
The veteran and injury-susceptible Robert Lewandowski has taken a backseat to Ferran Torres throughout this campaign, yet Torres finds himself mired in an eight-match scoring slump. The Spanish forward has managed only three goals in 2026 despite featuring as a starter in nearly every Blaugrana match.
Given the magnitude of this Champions League tie, Flick may lean toward utilizing Lewandowski's veteran presence in the striker role. The seasoned No. 9 maintains 14 goals this season and presents a greater scoring threat than Torres currently offers, which Barcelona desperately requires.
The squad will be eager to establish a comfortable advantage given their defensive personnel shortages. Injured players Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are all unavailable for the encounter, compelling Flick to field an improvised defensive unit once more. Gavi and Frenkie de Jong also remained behind, leaving Marc Bernal to partner with Pedri in the midfield.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Expected Formation Against Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—With aspirations of securing his maiden senior international call-up in the coming weeks, the shot-stopper aims to achieve three consecutive clean sheets to catch Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's attention.
RB: Eric García—Perhaps Flick's most adaptable squad member, natural midfielder García is positioned to cover the right-back role in place of the sidelined Koundé.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—The young defender encounters another significant challenge facing Newcastle's standout Anthony Gordon, who netted four times during the knockout phase playoffs versus Qarabağ.
CB: Gerard Martín—Martín prepares for another central defensive assignment, likely amused if told at season's start that he'd be completely repositioned as a center-back.
LB: João Cancelo—Cancelo proves to be an exceptional acquisition for Barcelona. While Balde recuperates, the Portuguese international will patrol the left side, seeking his third goal contribution in four recent matches.
DM: Marc Bernal—Competition existed for De Jong's position alongside Pedri, but Bernal emerged victorious over Dani Olmo and Marc Casadó as the optimal replacement for the Dutch midfielder.
DM: Pedri—Pedri rejoins the starting eleven after featuring for only 45 minutes during the weekend. The playmaker continues strengthening his argument as the world's premier midfielder.
RW: Lamine Yamal—The teenage prodigy approaches this match in exceptional form. Since 2026 began, Yamal has accumulated 10 goals and four assists.
AM: Fermín López—The Spanish midfielder is expected to reclaim his No. 10 responsibilities after Olmo's disappointing performance against Athletic Club.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian enters this fixture amid a challenging period. Raphinha has scored only once in his previous six outings, with that goal coming via penalty. He should receive chances against Kieran Trippier, though whether he capitalizes remains uncertain.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—This season has been forgettable for Lewandowski, but the Polish striker traditionally excels in Champions League competition, securing his starting position ahead of Torres.