Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi looks ahead to Newcastle United showdown – “I’m sure we’ll go through”

Barcelona’s teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi has issued a defiant message ahead of the decisive Champions League second-leg meeting with Newcastle United, insisting the Catalans “will give everything” to secure a quarter-final berth. The sides drew 1-1 in the first leg, leaving any victory at the Spotify Camp Nou next Wednesday enough to send Hansi Flick’s team through.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Cubarsi underlined the squad’s single-minded focus. “We will focus on Wednesday’s game, and I’m sure we’ll go through because we are going to give everything,” he said, as carried by Mundo Deportivo. “Whoever we face after that, we will be willing to give our all.”

The 19-year-old also reflected on the recent Copa del Rey semi-final exit against Atlético Madrid, a tie that saw a contentious disallowed goal play a pivotal role in a 4-3 aggregate defeat. “It was a shame not to reach the final,” Cubarsi admitted. “I remembered the disallowed goal at the Metropolitano but also that we didn’t play a good game there. We must demand more of ourselves.”

Asked about communicating with match officials in high-stakes fixtures, the defender acknowledged the limitations imposed by new regulations. “Now it’s difficult to address them with the new rule that only the team captain can do it. If you’re angry about a decision of his, the best thing to do is to get out of there.”

Barcelona, chasing a first Champions League crown in 11 years, have looked formidable at the Spotify Camp Nou since November and will enter the return leg as clear favourites to prolong their European dream.