Newcastle United vs Sunderland: Read Eddie Howe's pre-match message
Newcastle United vs Sunderland: Read Eddie Howe's pre-match message It’s always special to return home, and today carries added significance for everyone connected with our club and this region for obvious reasons. I haven’t had the privilege of leading the team into this fixture at St. James’ Park before, but I know the atmosphere you generate on occasions like this is unique and I know we’ll feel that energy when we emerge from the tunnel.
It feels like a lot has happened since our previous home match here against Barcelona. That night showed the very best of us – intensity, bravery, ambition and real quality. We were seconds away from a result that matched the level of our performance, and while the ending was difficult to take, it was a reminder of how far we’ve come and what we’re truly capable of on the biggest stage.
The second leg at the Nou Camp ended with understandable disappointment, but with pride at the overall European campaign. We had started so brightly on Wednesday and scored two excellent goals that kept the tie incredibly close. Both goals demonstrated real quality – from our off-the-ball work and winning possession back, to our passing, movement and finishing from Anthony Elanga.
We played with real authority for long spells in the first half and looked a constant threat, but we also acknowledge that we made some mistakes, especially defensively. The second half was more challenging. In my opinion, it ended with a scoreline that didn’t fully tell the full story of the match or reflect just how closely we had pushed and threatened a team of Barcelona’s quality over two legs.
But across the entire Champions League campaign, the players have been a credit to the club. We’ve broken new ground in terms of qualifying for the knockout phase in this new format, learned so much, and created memories that will stay with us. Our ambition is to use that experience to keep growing and to return stronger.