Barcelona are in for a rude awakening when they face Newcastle United in the Champions League.
That is the view of Ally McCoist, who is more than ready for Champions League nights to return to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United get their European campaign underway on 18th September, as they face Barcelona on Tyneside. It is going to be a mammoth night for Eddie Howe’s side, as they aim to replicate what they did to PSG in October 2023.
On that night, Newcastle beat PSG 4-1. It was one of the greatest victories that St James’ Park has ever seen, potentially eclipsing the 1997 win over Barcelona. Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick that night, as Newcastle beat Barca 3-2.
The Toon Army would love a re-run of either game, as they prepare to create what should be an unforgettable atmosphere.
Newcastle United players celebrate Fabian Schar's goal in the Champions League against PSG.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Ally McCoist expects incredible atmosphere for Newcastle United vs Barcelona
A panel consisting of commentator Darren Fletcher, journalist Julien Laurens and ex-players Ally McCoist, Joe Cole and Michail Antonio have previewed the upcoming Champions League campaign for the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel.
Darren Fletcher admitted that Newcastle vs Barcelona is the game he is most looking forward to, before McCoist expressed how excited he is to see St James’ Park in full voice.
Fletcher: “When the draw happened and I saw Newcastle vs Barcelona at St James’ Park, that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.”
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McCoist: “Brilliant, wasn’t it? Asprilla comes straight into your head.”
Fletcher: “It took me back to the game against PSG at St James’ Park that we did the last time. The atmosphere that night – the flags, the game, everything that went into it. Of all the games that I’ve seen up to now, the one I am looking forward to the most in the league phase is that one.”
McCoist: “That place is electric at the best of times. But Champions League night, it’s just phenomenal.”
Newcastle United not backed to win the Champions League
As part of the panel’s discussion, Fletcher asked which of the English clubs have a genuine chance of winning the entire Champions League.
Unfortunately but unsurprisingly for Eddie Howe’s side, none of the pundits named Newcastle United as a contender.
Former West Ham forward Michail Antonio believes that Arsenal and Manchester City are the only two English clubs that can go the distance, while Joe Cole threw Liverpool and Chelsea into the mix as well.
According to Opta, Newcastle have the toughest Champions League fixtures out of the six English clubs, as they attempt to make it through to the knockout stage of the competition.
Given the new Champions League format, Newcastle are more likely to do that than they were in 2023/24. They were put in the group of death last time out, whereas the league system should give Howe’s team a better chance of advancing.
However, it would be a surprise if they are involved in the final at the Puskas Arena on 30th May.