Barcelona arrives at their Champions League clash against Newcastle in good spirits after a narrow 1-0 league victory over Athletic Club. Fermin Lopez emphasized the squad's confidence following this important away win, which restored a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
He stressed the importance of maintaining this advantage, especially with Real Madrid also securing a win, and noted that the team's focus now shifts fully to the upcoming match at St James' Park. Barcelona expects a very physical encounter against a strong opponent, similar to recent challenging matches they've faced.
Newcastle recently suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup, showing they remain competitive but Barcelona aims to play their normal game and secure a positive result on the road.
In summary, the team's mindset and readiness for the physical nature of the game will be key for Barcelona's success. Maintaining the league lead and serious preparation for the Champions League highlight the club's strong ambitions this season.