Barcelona could have up to five UEFA Champions League debutants vs Newcastle United | OneFootball

Later today, Barcelona face their first match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign, when they take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Blaugrana are desperate to go all the way in the tournament this time around after having faltered at the semi-final stages last season.

As Barça get set to take on the Magpies in their first European encounter of the campaign, the fixture could mark their debut in the Champions League.

Five possible debutants

Joan Garcia, who joined Barcelona from RCD Espanyol in the summer, is a guaranteed starter for Hansi Flick and will play his first-ever Champions League match – making it his biggest test so far at the club.

Another player who could be handed his debut is Marc Bernal. The young midfielder returned to action in Barça’s last league match after more than a year out due to a torn ACL, suffered at the beginning of last season.

In fact, had it not been for that injury, it is highly probable that Bernal would already have played in the Champions League, as he had managed to establish himself in Flick’s starting eleven in the few games before being sidelined.

Marc Bernal could make his CL debut vs Newcastle. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Continuing with academy players, Diego Kochen, Jofre Torrents and Toni Fernandez are also in the squad, and would make their UCL debuts if they feature.

Of the three, the American goalkeeper is the least likely to feature, as in addition to Joan Garcia, he is also behind Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order.

Toni, however, could play, particularly given the absence of Lamine Yamal and the fact that Barça will face four matches in ten days. Rotations will be essential to avoid injuries and unnecessary workload.

For the same reason, Jofre Torrents also has a chance of getting minutes. Alejandro Balde remains injured, while Gerard Martin finished the Valencia match visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps.

There are also two players who could make their European debut in Barça colours, despite already having experience in the competition with their former clubs – Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford.