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Only a couple of seasons after Eddie Howe attended his maiden European elite match, and now Howe finds himself determined to challenge top European clubs.

Barca's Visit in Newcastle

With the Blaugrana came midweek, their manager's domestic winners displayed little evidence of overconfidence. In fact, Flick cautioned about the high tempo the squad need to prepare for on Tyneside.

“There were several uncertainties,” said the Newcastle manager. “It felt like an sense that we were living a novelty, we loved it yet in the end we failed. This time around, our focus is stronger to progress.”

Learning from Previous Campaign

The manager hasn't forgotten the French giants getting completely outplayed on this ground two years ago, after they lost by a heavy scoreline. At that time, the Magpies on occasion looked a little bit as inexperienced Champions League tourists; this season they want to prove they are contenders.

Although Howe has grown a great deal since attending his first live Champions League game, the creditable draw his players obtained against Milan previously showed that Howe had more know-how as he might have seemed.

Roster Quality and Know-How

Currently, ahead of the clash to counter the danger of Barca's forwards, the loan star, the Dutch maestro and teammates, he has the added benefit of previous exposure. “Each aspect required for a European game is different compared to domestic games,” noted Eddie. “The atmosphere is different, the preparation is different. Previously we hadn't experienced that previously but that experience is an asset today. The team is perhaps better than it was last time.”

Past Encounters

It all prompts memories of a previous visit from Barcelona, dating back to mid-September 1997. Honoring its anniversary, an iconic figure is coming overseas to attend in the directors’ box. Faustino Asprilla’s unforgettable UCL hat-trick facing the Dutchman's team on home soil assisted Kenny Dalglish’s side achieve a narrow win versus Barcelona. Bearing in mind Barcelona’s team included Luís Figo, world-class talents and Luis Enrique, it was some achievement.

Today, with fans from both clubs prepare for their fifth meeting in Europe, supporters might think of Sir Bobby Robson. The ex-national team coach's family member will, like Asprilla, watch from the executive areas as Newcastle and Barcelona the elder led successfully meet anew in over two decades.

Managerial Mind Games

Although Howe desires a better outcome, he won’t banish the history. “We're aware of connections with Sir Bobby and we completely respect,” the manager commented. “That very reason renders this a memorable encounter. Perhaps I'll tap into the emotional aspect of the occasion.”

Back in September 1997, a knock prevented Pep Guardiola at home, and the unavailability of a young phenom named the youngster in this match results in a big void in Flick’s starting XI. Although the Newcastle manager – who admitted he was disappointed to miss out on playing the prodigy – senses opportunity, he should be mindful of the Barcelona coach that possesses the skill to change tactical systems seamlessly.

In common with his counterpart, Flick is no slave to dogma and, while his time in charge the German champions, the now 60-year-old national team boss was dubbed “a tactical innovator”. The label highlighted his ability to combine high pressing alongside controlled possession, and, at Barcelona, the revitalized temporary signing Rashford is evidently enjoying being coached by such a versatile manager.

The feeling is clearly reciprocal. “What a wonderful asset to possess him on the squad,” remarked Flick. “He has outstanding, unbelievable, attributes.” The Blaugrana may need them.

“I’ve never come earlier,” stated Flick. “But my players inform me it’s perhaps the best atmosphere domestically. I'm ready for a imposing outfit that presses fiercely. The Newcastle boss has done a brilliant role.”