Champions League last 16 predictions: How will Barcelona fare against Newcastle and which teams will progress?

The Champions League’s last-16 stage roars back to life this week, and the spotlight falls first on a reunion no neutral will want to miss: Barcelona versus Newcastle United, a rematch of an earlier group-stage thriller that saw Hansi Flick’s men edge a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park. That result still lingers in the memory as both clubs prepare for a two-legged duel that could tilt either way.

Barcelona have already touched down in England, mindful that a positive result on Tyneside will ease the pressure before the return leg at Camp Nou in seven days’ time. Eddie Howe’s side, buoyed by home support, will be eager to avenge that earlier defeat and prove their own European credentials.

Yet the drama is hardly confined to the North East. Eight ties across the continent promise fireworks: PSG host Chelsea, Galatasaray welcome Liverpool, Real Madrid face Manchester City, Atalanta take on Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid tussle with Tottenham, Bodo/Glimt meet Sporting, and Bayer Leverkusen square off against Arsenal.

With quarter-final berths on the line, the coming week guarantees tension, flair and, quite possibly, a shock or two. The only question left is who will still be standing when the dust settles.