Barcelona praises Newcastle's St James' Park atmosphere ahead Champions League clash

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and defender Andreas Christensen have both praised Newcastle United's St James' Park as one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League, especially on Champions League nights. Flick, who has never visited the stadium before, was informed by his players about its intense environment, emphasizing the challenge it poses for visiting teams. Christensen, with Premier League experience at Newcastle, described the stadium atmosphere as a significant factor in games, where every tackle and action carries weight, making it difficult for opponents to stay calm. Newcastle's recent Champions League outings, including a notable 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, have showcased the impact of the passionate home crowd. Additionally, Newcastle's new striker, Nick Woltemade, who quickly rose to prominence and scored on his Premier League debut, is expected to start against Barcelona due to teammate injuries. Overall, both teams acknowledge the formidable challenge of playing at St James' Park amidst an energetic and supportive fan base.