Eddie Howe: This is the happiest I've been - but Newcastle can't shrink in Barcelona

Newcastle United are in Spain and just hours away from one of the biggest games in the club's European history, as Barcelona await at 5.45pm in the UEFA Champions League.

The Magpies gave a really good account of themselves up against one of Europe's most illustrious clubs last week, drawing 1-1 against the La Liga giants in a match full of positives.

Unfortunately, our Champions League last-minute penalty curse robbed us of the win we deserved, but there should be no shortage of belief tonight based on such a strong first-leg showing.

Newcastle were outstanding that night at St James' Park and followed that up with another top performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which seemed to jump-start fans' belief that we could still qualify for Europe via the Premier League this season.

Howe: This is the happiest I've been this season

It's not just the fans who are feeling hopeful of a big performance tonight, as Eddie Howe spoke highly of the confidence in the group heading into our showdown with Barcelona.

The boss admitted this is the happiest he's been "at any stage" of this season with the group, suggesting we might just be hitting our rhythm at the right time after Saturday's 1-0 win over Chelsea.

“We are as confident as we have been at any point in the season. It’s the happiest I have been at any stage.

"I think our recent performances have been really strong. The individuals in our team are performing at a really high level so hopefully we're peaking at the right time but we need everything to go our way tomorrow.

"We don't underestimate the size of the task, but we believe in ourselves at the same time."

Discussing the challenge ahead in more depth, Howe has urged the team to embrace the occasion and for his experienced players to step up, insisting we can not afford to go into our shells on the biggest of stages against such a ruthless Barcelona attack.

“We’ve got an experienced group and players who have played in so many big games now.”

“You want the size of the game to lift the players and to make us grow. Certainly we can’t shrink. From my side it’s about getting our plan right.”

“The details of this game are going to be important. Dealing with their strengths and also trying to produce our best moments. I think when you consider the two games we’ve had against Barcelona, we’ve had some really good passages of play, some good opportunities to score, but we haven’t beaten them so that’s the challenge.”

The last paragraph could not be more true. It's not just about stopping their key men - keeping Yamal, Raphinha and others quiet again - it's vital we also come with our own threats, putting the emphasis on Gordon to shine in the No.9 role, Barnes to produce another moment, Elanga to hurt them with his pace and our midfield three to use the ball well in the rare moments we may get it.

Newcastle haven't had their customary purple patch yet

Traditionally, under Howe, Newcastle have gone on a winning run in the early part of the new year and then faded towards the end of the season, but this time we've not really had that run of form yet, so hopefully we're saving it for the run-in.

If Newcastle can string a series of wins together now, which they are entirely capable of, then there's no telling where we finish this season.

Additionally, if we can beat Barcelona on their own turf tomorrow, who's to say we can't go all the way in that competition? Let's get carried away!