Guillem Balague gives three-word tip to Newcastle and inside scoop on Barcelona

CommentsLee Ryder Chief Newcastle United Writer10:20, 10 Mar 2026Updated 10:20, 10 Mar 2026Guillem Balague believes that Newcastle United have "nothing to lose" against a Barcelona side who believe they can win this season's Champions League.

The much-loved pundit, who is widely regarded as the authority on Spanish football to a generation of fans brought up on watching Revista de La Liga on UK screens, believes that the last 16 Champions League tie will be an intriuging watch but warned that Barca are wising up to the defensive frailties that cost them the European Cup last season.

Back then Barca lost 7-6 on aggregate to Inter Milan in the semi-finals but Balague, now a pundit on BBC Sport and La Liga TV, feels that Newcastle will be squaring up to a Hansi Flick team that has now no fear.

Balague told Chronicle Live: "You have a Barcelona team that has become more mature. There was this tactic of the defensive line being very high.

"Now they have started to adjust things a little bit, so they are managing things better. They still attack, but if there are, say, 10 minutes to go and there is one goal difference, you will see them start to drop deeper. It is not illegal for them to do that any more.

"They know the first 10 to 15 minutes will be key in Newcastle because of how Newcastle will start the game. But going into the game, they feel they can beat Newcastle.

"Reasons for it? Even though they have a makeshift back four at the minute and Ferran Torres is on a goal drought.

"But despite all of that, when you have a player like Lamine Yamal, you know they will score. They go on the pitch and think: 'As long as we defend well we have got a good chance'.

"Barca have learned a lot from last season, they now manage things as they happen. It may not be a Barca team that is a spectacular as last season, but the spectacle then was the risks they would take and they are now managing it better I think. Lamine Yamal is getting better and better."

The spotlight will be well and truly on 18-year-old Yamal with Barca placing a ring of steel around the player deemed the best young star on the planet. He was flanked by security on his way in and out of St James' Park last night.

But Balague knows that he can make the stage explode with his magic tonight. Balague said: "There will be fear, mixed with admiration (from Newcastle fans)- all of which he thrives on. The difference between Spanish and English football is that there is a lot of focus in England on individuals.

"The way that Sky Sports, TNT Sports and all TV cameras focus on the individuals. In Spain, it is all about the collective.

"But if you are looking at an individual who is making history in front of our very eyes, it is Yamal.

"Everybody thought that this would not happen again after Lionel Messi. Remember, I am an Espanyol fan - not a Barca fan, but I have stood up and clapped Lamine Yamal!

"We elbow each other sitting next to us saying: 'Did you see that? It was incredible'.

"Few players bring that feeling, and maybe that is missing in the Premier League at the minute, but Lamine Yamal produces that. It will be fascinating to see what type of reaction he gets from the stands at St James' Park.

"But I think it will be a mixture, admiration but also fear of what he can do."

As Newcastle's season becomes in danger of spluttering out, just days after their FA Cup exit, the Champions League feels like it is the only story in Toon now. But can they genuinely beat Barcelona?

The well-known La Liga pundit said: "I just really hope that Eddie Howe approaches the game with absolutely nothing to lose. I hope he approaches and says: 'Guys let's go for it'.

"Don't be scared, you have nothing to lose. The aim is not to win the Champions League, it is to do as well as they can in the Premier League and qualify for Europe again.

"But if that is the case, it will be fascinating to watch, goals at both ends, because Barcelona gives you a chance, imagine it is taken.

"If goals get scored for Newcastle. You saw last season, Aston Villa beating PSG.

"A lot will be down to the atmosphere that is created at St James' Park, it is the same kind of thing."

At St James' Park last night Eddie Howe spoke of getting the game off to a good start, a little like the 4-1 win over Paris St-Germain in 2023. But even then, this Barca team has ice in the veins according to a pundit who knows them well.

He said: "As far as the electricity created at St James' Park is concerned, I think this Barca team can deal with it.

"You go back towards the end of the Messi era, away to Roma, Liverpool and Juventus, and they could not deal with the energy created in those stadiums.

"They were tired and could not deal with it. This team will go on to the pitch thinking they will win the Champions League and they HAVE to beat Newcastle, that is it, they are very assured of themselves."

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£8.99£0AmazonGet Amazon Prime hereProduct DescriptionNewcastle United have reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where they host Barcelona on March 10. Fans can watch the game for free with an Amazon Prime subscription or 30-day trial.