Newcastle United are preparing for an exciting game against Barcelona in the opening week of the Champions League.
Having missed out on playing in Europe during the 2024/25 season, the Magpies are back in the Champions League.
What a way for Eddie Howe’s side to start their Champions League campaign against Spanish giants Barcelona, who have enjoyed a bright start to their season.
Most recently, Barcelona beat Valencia 6-0 at home, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez getting on the scoresheet. It is the first time Newcastle United have played Barca since 2003, with the Magpies losing 2-0 at St James’ Park.
The hope is that Newcastle can hit the ground running in their return to the Champions League, but it will take a brilliant showing to beat a Barca side that won La Liga last season. After their win against Valencia, Flick opened up about the Newcastle game and his admiration for something special.
Hansi Flick looks on during a La Liga game between Barcelona and Valencia.
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hansi Flick reveals his love for St James’ Park ahead of Newcastle United clash
Barcelona could be without Lamine Yamal for the Newcastle game, but his absence did not seem to affect their performance against Valencia, who could do virtually nothing to stop them from scoring six.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are without Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, who are suffering from knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
It will be the first time Flick has played against Newcastle in his career, but the former Germany boss has shared his admiration for the Magpies and St James’ Park.
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“Last season we didn’t play in England, and now this is good for us,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“Newcastle’s stadium is a beautiful stadium, and I followed them last season, and they’re doing well. Their technical staff is performing well, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Newcastle United fans need to bring the noise against Barcelona
The atmosphere at St James’ Park is usually brilliant, but the crowd has been sensational for the players this season.
St James’ Park was electric against Liverpool, and the crowd was still on top form when Nick Woltemade scored against Wolves.
With the Champions League coming back to Tyneside, Newcastle fans need to get behind their players on the pitch, just like they did during the last Champions League campaign. It is clear that the players feed on the noise of the crowd and perform much better because of it.
Fans will know what they need to do to give Barca a huge shock in their first visit to the ground since 2003.
Ally McCoist has warned Barca about the St James’ Park crowd, suggesting there could be another night like 1997, when Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick to secure a memorable win for the Magpies.