Eddie Howe has yet to defeat former side Bournemouth in the Premier League since taking charge of Newcastle United
It felt like a mental test as much as a physical one.
How would Newcastle United cope with the voyage to Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium - less than 72 hours after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona?
Navigating such challenges certainly stretched Newcastle during the club's previous foray in the Champions League in 2023.
Indeed, after losing against Borussia Dortmund, a drained, injury-hit side were beaten by Bournemouth just a few days later.
