Newcastle United’s return to Europe’s premier competition begins, as the Toon mark the start of their 2025/26 Champions League campaign by hosting Spanish giants Barcelona.
Although their last campaign in 2023/24 ended in a heartbreaking group stage exit, a memorable win over PSG and a valiant draw against AC Milan showed that the Magpies are more than capable of competing at Europe’s elite level.
Having ended a 20-year hiatus and gathered a taste for continental football, their goal for this season is to capitalise on the format changes to surpass their previous accolades and secure a place in the knockout stages.
However, Newcastle will not be allowed the opportunity to acclimatise to the competition, as Barcelona are a formidable first foe. The Catalans reached the semi-finals of this competition last season, only losing out to Inter Milan after a pulsating semi-final, while they secured the opportunity to go one better this time around by lifting the La Liga title.
The two sides have history of facing each other in the Champions League, as they clashed in both the 1997/98 and 2002/03 competitions. A memorable hat-trick from Faustino Asprilla meant Newcastle won the first encounter 3-2, before Barcelona exacted revenge by securing victory in each of the other three fixtures.
Despite eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat, Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Liverpool proved that when backed by a raucous atmosphere at St James’ Park, the Toon are not going to be pushed over.
While it will be a tough task, Newcastle United are hoping to ruffle the feathers of the established continental powerhouses in the Champions League this season. They will be perilous to underestimate, and the clash with Barcelona offers them the opportunity to showcase their prowess to the rest of the competition.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have been fortunate on the injury front ahead of this clash, as with Sandro Tonali and Fabian Schar both returning to the side for their clash with Wolves, they have almost a full complement available for selection.
This includes all of the players who fired them into the competition and are still at the club, notably featuring Anthony Gordon, as his Premier League suspension does not carry over into this UEFA clash, meaning the Toon have the necessary experience to thrive under the pressure of the occasion.
However, Eddie Howe will be without the services of two of his side’s summer signings, as Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa, who is yet to make his debut for his new side, both miss out through injury.
Barcelona
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is less fortunate than his counterpart, as the German has a plethora of absentees to contend with as he brings his team to England.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will miss this game due to a hip injury that will leave him absent for a few weeks. This may mean that Manchester United loanee winger Marcus Rashford starts on his return to his home country, as with Yamal out, Barcelona’s options are depleted in those wide attacking areas.
Meanwhile, midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Gavi will also be unavailable for selection, while Alejandro Balde is also set to miss out.
Likely Lineups
Newcastle United
Pope; Trippier, Burn, Schar, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Barcelona
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; Pedri, Casado; Raphinha, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
Key Players
Newcastle United: Nick Woltemade
With only three goals scored from their opening four Premier League games, it is no secret that Newcastle United have started this season struggling in front of goal.
However, they may have the answer to their problems, as summer signing Nick Woltemade has already found his shooting boots and quickly made himself a fan-favourite on Tyneside.
The German international notched the only goal of the game in a vital 1-0 win over Wolves to secure his team's first victory of the season, while his build-up play and attacking spark also proved to be a critical asset for his team.
Although he remains untested in continental competition, Woltemade has the skills to shine in this encounter and torment the Barcelona defenders. His success will be crucial to his side’s fortunes, but if he is able to shine, then he will only further endear himself to his new supporters.
Barcelona: Raphinha
With teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set to miss out on this clash due to injury, Brazilian winger Raphinha will have to step up and replace his teammates’ output and creative flair if Barcelona are to come away from St James’ Park with all three points.
The 28-year-old may be poised to do so as he approaches this game in top form, having scored twice after his introduction from the bench against Valencia at the weekend. Further, after his spell in the Premier League at Leeds United, Raphinha is very familiar with the challenges incurred by facing off with elite English opposition.
If he can utilise his experience and maintain his good form, then Raphinha, who was the joint top scorer in last season’s Champions League, may play a crucial role in helping his side get off to the perfect start in the competition.
Match Details
Where is the game being played? This encounter will take place at St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United
What time is kick-off? The match will kick off at 20:00 GMT
How can I watch? This clash will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1