FC Barcelona prepare to host Newcastle this Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League 2025-26 last-16 tie. Ahead of the showdown, Pau Cubarsi spoke to the press to discuss the match—following a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park—and the current climate at Barcelona, which the recent presidential elections have dominated.

Cubarsi was questioned regarding images that surfaced showing him and several teammates casting their votes alongside Joan Laporta. The defender was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the president-elect had used the players for campaign leverage: "As a player and a club member, everyone has the freedom to vote as they wish and for whoever they deem necessary. I'll keep my own vote private. Laporta has been elected president; we congratulate him, and our focus now shifts entirely to the tie."

"Laporta paid us a visit and we offered our congratulations. He told us to be ourselves and noted that we are playing at a spectacular level. He urged us to maintain this momentum and remain a united family and group, which is ultimately what delivers titles," he added, reflecting on the electoral process.

Turning his attention to the high-stakes encounter with Newcastle, Cubarsi affirmed: "This is a massive match, a tie we must win, especially with the advantage of playing the second leg at home after securing what I believe was a solid result away. With the backing of the 'cules', we will be doing everything to progress." He continued: "Their intensity at their own ground is incredible; we knew that from our group stage meeting there. We executed a strong defensive plan then, though we lacked a bit of rhythm in attack. With our fans behind us, it will be different. We will come out with real energy; we need everyone, and I am confident the match will take a different shape."

In that regard, Cubarsi believes Barca are hitting peak form. "We are in a very good place; we've managed to recharge the batteries. The dynamic is positive, and the results are coming. Playing every three days limits rest, but we still find time to prepare mentally. We are going all out and want everything to go smoothly, as always," he noted. He also highlighted the recent defensive solidity: "The defensive line has fine-tuned a few details that weren't quite clicking initially, but as the season has progressed, we've made adjustments and are performing at a high level. Every player is contributing, which helps the team, particularly as we believe in the staff's philosophy, which I think can lead us to great success."

Barcelona's youth brigade ready for the big stage

While European experience is often vital, the young defender highlighted the fearlessness within the Barca ranks: "We are a very young group; we might lack years of experience in this world, but above all, we are hungry to give our all for this club, just as we did coming through the youth ranks. We know the weight of these matches because you gain experience against these types of rivals from a young age. Anything is possible. Regardless of age, you can give your maximum and earn the manager's trust."

Despite Newcastle never having progressed beyond the last 16 of the Champions League, Cubarsi warned against looking at historical records: "The most important factor isn't past experience—though it matters—but how you approach the match on the night. How you start and the details you execute. The tie is effectively 0-0, and teams will always play at their absolute limit. Reaching a semi-final last year doesn't guarantee progression this year. We are going to give it everything."

The 17-year-old remains unfazed by the prospect of facing the physical Will Osula or the electric Anthony Gordon, who started on the bench at St. James' Park: "They have top-quality players. Perhaps Gordon didn't start the first leg and is now ready, but we don't obsess over individual opponents because at this level, they all perform spectacularly. We focus on ourselves, our actions, and where we can improve." He added: "In the Champions League, you face the best players in the world week in, week out. You will always come up against elite strikers. It isn't a problem for me to face a faster or stronger opponent; I simply focus on our strengths and how we can perform to our best."

Cubarsi offers advice to Espart and Cortes

Pau Cubarsi also took a moment to praise Joao Cancelo: "We are delighted that he has returned for this second spell. When he first arrived, I was just starting out, and he helped me immensely. He is exceptional on both the right and left, and having such a versatile player is a huge asset. It's great to have him here because he is another 'cule' who is genuinely happy to be at the club."

He also spoke highly of Gerard Martin: "He is having a fantastic season; he was strong last year too, but this year he is featuring more as a central defender. I try to support him whenever possible, and he does the same for me. He is capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back or as a left-back. We are all performing at a high level; everyone is ready to deliver."

Finally, he offered some veteran-style wisdom to teammates Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes: "I tell them to stay calm and just enjoy it—they are here to play football and nothing else. They shouldn't worry about the external noise. They should listen to their families and those who want to help them. If they stay composed, things will go well. Xavi has already shown his quality, and Alvaro will undoubtedly do well if he gets his chance."

Pau Cubarsí

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