John Gibson gives his take on this week's Champions League clash with Barcelona
Sir Bobby Robson with the Newcastle squad ahead of their match against Barcelona
Sir Bobby Robson with the Newcastle squad ahead of their match against Barcelona
Ah, Barcelona. What romance, what joy the city conjures up in the mind of us all.
Gaudi and the cathedral, a unique combination of awe and originality, and the football. Oh yes, the football.
Bobby Robson and Tino Asprilla. Champions League, Newcastle 3 Barca 2. They are soccer royalty. A club of superstars. Glam and grace in unbridled abundance.
Now the latest Catalan giants are coming to visit just as they did when Tino, superbly supported by Keith Gillespie, gave us one of our finest Champions League memories exactly 28 years ago.
Incredibly it was September 17, 1997 when United rose to the heights. September 18, 2025 when we go again.
Many legendary global superstars have graced St James Park down rolling years in an assortment of games.
The golden thread runs from Puskas, Eusebio and Gunnar Nordahl through Yashin, Sandor Kocsis, Zidane, Stoichkov, Hagi, Figo, Rivaldo, Xavi, and Iniesta to Neymar and Mbappe.
Be it against the Mighty Mags in European combat, international matches, or merely testimonials like Puskas who honoured Wor Jackie with his presence they have come and performed for an admiring audience.
Come Thursday evening another could be unveiled before the gaze of the Geordie public. Barcelona wonder kid Lamine Yamal is exceptional, destined to rule the world, and destined for the north bank of the Tyne should he shake off a worrying groin injury aggravated while on international duty. Groins are always a case for genuine concern and so all is not clear.
Despite only turning 18 this summer Yamal has already made over 100 appearances for the pride of Catalan scoring 27 times, has earned two LaLiga titles, and was a key member of Spain's European Championship winning side in 2024. The Ballon d'Or is awaiting him.
Spain coach Luis del la Fuente claims Yamal is "touched by the wand of God," the baby Messi no less.
He is not however the lone star in the Barca crown. They collect jewels. With or without Yamal there are others to cause apprehension. Under Hansi Flick, Raphinha's tactical role has evolved from a traditional winger to a more centrally positioned second striker. This shift allows the former Leeds star to exploit spaces between the opposition's defensive and midfield lines, making diagonal runs into the box or drifting inward while other forwards provide width. Allo, Allo Herr Flick has got it right!
Such is their strength in depth that the likes of heavyweight striker Robert Lewandowski, now into his twilight years but still a potential plunderer, and Marcus Rashford are not guaranteed starting places.
Barca had Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde all out through injuries yet they still thrashed Valencia 6-0 in their last La Liga match.
Of course that epic result in 1997 isn't the norm when Newcastle play Bobby Robson's old club. Barcelona have won all three of our other set-to's, the last in March of 2002 right here.
Nevertheless these are the glamour matches you battle to achieve when chasing Champions League qualification. They are the very definition of what European competition is all about.
May someone be inspired by Tino (Asprilla not Livramento). Chase the dream. It is there for anyone who wants it enough.
Those who have stuck around have enjoyed nights like our somersaulting Colombian _ Dan Burn and Fabian Schar scored against Paris Saint-Germain a couple of years back but do you recall that Big Dan played left-back and Jamaal Lascelles was at the heart of the defence?
Eight of the starters are still here and a ninth got on as a sub so giant-killing is in the blood.
It is nevertheless about the here and now as United prepare to launch an eight-match assault on the Champions League having returned to action with a hard won victory over Wolves thanks to new head master Nick Woltemade.
The good news is that Anthony Gordon is available for this particular match and he will be thirsting to hit centre stage once again especially as his rival for the England shirt Marcus Rashford is in opposition.
Gordon is quality, electrifying when in the zone, and his attributes will be very necessary against all round cream. Headband on, shackles off Anthony.
You cannot help but admire the tenacity of Jacob Murphy on the other wing. Now 30, he showed terrific late development last season with a grand total of 23 goals and assists to enjoy his best campaign yet. United still went for a possible upgrade splashing out £55m on Anthony Elanga who immediately took his first team shirt but Murphy has bounced back to not only regain his place but set up United's winner against Wolves. Like a cork in high waters you cannot keep him down.
I find it extremely ironic that through unfortunate circumstances United find themselves in exactly the same predicament as last season. Then there was no credible back up to Alexander Isak with Callum Wilson continually hounded by injury. Now with Yoane Wissa immobilised Woltemade stands alone with only Will Osula, so rough edged and raw, as very limited back up. It is dreadful luck after such a last-ditch effort was made to solve a dilemma.
Dreadful, too, for Wissa who joined us desperate for Champions League nights like this only to be cruelly robbed by his knee injury when previously boasting such a strong fitness record.
Let us make no mistake, Thursday night is what football is all about. Why teams battle and take part. Dream and hope. It is the ultimate. The pinnacle. May it be enjoyed not feared.