ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 clash against Barça, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said "it’s the most important match in our recent history. We want to rise to the occasion and embrace the importance of the game. Those are things that have helped us this season and we’re looking to repeat them.”

Looking back at the meeting earlier this season, the man who guided Bournemouth from the lower leagues to the Premiership said “it was inevitable that they pushed us back because they have a lot of quality. We missed chances and there are things we can improve ahead of tomorrow’s match. We’ll have to be aggressive in one-on-one situations. It will be important to start strongly, stamp our authority and set the rhythm of the game.”

As for Barça, he praised their attacking flair. “Lamine is a spectacular player and dealing with players like that will be a challenge" he said. "They have threats on both flanks.”

“Only sixteen teams remain and we are one of them. It’s a chance to experience a moment we might never have again. We’ve worked very hard to get here and I see possibilities of going even further.”

“I think we can give ourselves a chance to keep the tie open ahead of the match at the Camp Nou. Barça are a very consistent team in the league.”

Força Barça