Newcastle must grow under Camp Nou pressure: Howe

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe urged his team on Tuesday to rise to the occasion instead of faltering under the spotlight at Camp Nou as they take on Barcelona in the Champions League knockout stage.

The Premier League side dominated the Spanish title holders during the first leg of the last 16 but could only secure a 1-1 stalemate thanks to a stoppage time spot kick from Lamine Yamal at their home ground last week.

With aspirations to advance to the Champions League quarter finals for the first time ever, Newcastle understands the task ahead will shift dramatically on Wednesday at the stadium of the club that has lifted the trophy five times.

"I do not believe they will feel intimidated, we possess a seasoned squad and numerous players who have featured in countless major matches, so we are well used to such occasions," Howe remarked.

"You truly desire an encounter of this magnitude to inspire the players and help us develop - we absolutely cannot retreat - yet with so many international stars in our lineup, I do not view that as a problem.

"It is simply about ensuring from my perspective that our strategy is spot on, since they boast plenty of threatening talents we must handle carefully."

Newcastle sits in ninth position in the Premier League during a challenging season, yet Howe insisted the team is peaking at the right time.

"(The players) are the most content they have felt all term, it has been a period of significant adjustment... at the start we found it hard to hit our stride, with fresh partnerships forming in the side," Howe went on.

"Their self belief took a minor hit. We put in tremendous effort to instil some consistency into the group."

"Over the recent weeks we have recaptured a solid momentum. The atmosphere has improved greatly, along with stronger showings from individuals and the unit as a whole."

Newcastle secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday through a robust backline effort, which Howe noted they will need to replicate when facing threats like Raphinha and the young sensation Yamal.

"It is essential to stay hopeful and proactive, which is precisely why the outcome and display against Chelsea mattered so much," Howe elaborated.

"We demonstrated to ourselves our ability to protect our net effectively... I feel we are in the strongest position of the campaign, both in terms of play and team dynamics.

"Reaching this point was vital to maximise our prospects, and now we are focused on seeing it through."

Really confident

Barcelona edged Newcastle 2-1 during the league stage at St James' Park prior to last week's tie, but defender Kieran Trippier expressed that his squad is buoyed going into the match against the La Liga frontrunners.

"Yes, we are filled with assurance, (even though) the season has been inconsistent," Trippier shared with the press.

"There is a positive vibe all around, so we arrive here composed and eager, anticipating tomorrow's fixture, it represents a major chance, and we realise the benefits will follow a solid effort."

Howe described the Camp Nou outing as "likely" the most significant fixture of his managerial path, while Trippier stood up for his boss amid certain critiques levelled this season.

"I hold immense admiration for his contributions to this club, he is extraordinary," the full back concluded.