Newcastle United have learned their opponent for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 following Friday morning’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Eddie Howe’s side advanced from the playoff round after defeating Qarabag and now face one of Europe’s most decorated clubs in the knockout stage, in the Spanish giant FC Barcelona.

The matchup will be played over two legs, with the first one set to be played at St. James’ Park and the second leg to be played at the Spotify Camp Nou, as Barcelona enters with the higher league-phase seed.

All round-of-16 first legs are scheduled for March 10-11, with the return fixtures set for March 17–18.

Friday’s draw also mapped out the potential route through the bracket. Newcastle or Barcelona will face the winner of Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham, meaning there might be an all-Spain or all-England quarterfinal match-up.

The Champions League final for the 2025-26 season will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday, May 30.

Following the draw, Newcastle now know the hellacious schedule they have ahead trhough March, which, in addition to both legs against Barcelona, includes Premier League matches against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as a derby clash with Sunderland to put the cherry on top of a killer month.