FC Barcelona are set to kick off their game against Newcastle United soon. Set to take place at St James’ Park, this game will be the first leg of the Round of 16 encounter between the Spanish giants and the Premier League team.
However, since this is an away game, Hansi Flick’s side will need to be extra cautious of Newcastle’s approach. Fortunately, the German coach has managed to select a reliable starting eleven to kick things off in England.
Here is the official starting line-up for Barcelona.
In goal, Joan Garcia starts for La Blaugrana. The Spanish goalkeeper has been maintaining some clean sheets recently, and he will be looking to ensure that he can manage another one here if possible.
Ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin start together as the two centre-backs in this game. Both players will have a lot to do against a feisty Newcastle United side, but they have the quality to hold their own.
On the flanks, Joao Cancelo and Ronald Araujo start on the left and right flanks respectively. Both players will be expected to cover a lot of ground in this game and they will need to provide assistance to their forwards and defenders as well.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Joelinton of Newcastle United battles for possession with Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St James' Park on September 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
In the heart of the midfield, Pedri is accompanied by Marc Bernal in a double pivot. Both players will be looking to control the tempo of the game while simultaneously looking to create opportunities for their forwards up top.
Ahead of them, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha start on the wings for the Catalan giants. In between them, Fermin Lopez is the player chosen to start as the central attacking midfielder.
Lastly, up top, Robert Lewandowski starts for Barcelona as the team’s primary centre-forward. His teammates will try to create opportunities for him, but he will need to be clinical considering just how crucial every goal can be in such a tie.