Newcastle vs Barcelona live: Magpies set for blockbuster return to Champions League at St James’ Park | OneFootball

Newcastle host Barcelona in the Champions League as Eddie Howe’s men return to the top-flight of European football with a blockbuster opening match at St James’ Park.

The Magpies last featured in the Champions League two seasons ago, where they memorably defeated Paris Saint-Germain but ultimately failed to make it through the old group stages. The revamped league phase could offer Newcastle a simpler route into the knockouts this time around.

Spanish champions Barcelona were famously beaten here in 1997 in a memorable meeting which saw Faustino Asprilla score a hat-trick for the hosts who went on to secure a 3-2 win and Newcastle will be targeting a similar result tonight.

However, Barcelona are a force to be reckoned with under Hansi Flick and are unbeaten this season with 13 goals scored across four domestic matches. Lamine Yamal is out through injury but in Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha the Spanish giants have more than enough firepower.

Newcastle arrive at St James' Park ahead of Barcelona showdown

Will Nick Woltemade get the chance to add to his dream Newcastle start after scoring on his debut against Wolves? The team news will drop in the next few minutes.

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Jamie Braidwood18 September 2025 18:40

Memories of Newcastle's 4-1 win over PSG ahead of facing Barcelona

Newcastle claimed one of the best results in their modern history when they humbled Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 on their Champions League return two years ago.

The Magpies ultimately did not progress but Eddie Howe believes his team are “stronger” this time around as they prepare to face Barcelona.

"It feels different, the build-up is different. We hadn't done that before and that experience will help us,” Howe said.

"I think the squad is arguably stronger than it was two years ago. Certainly the squad is different and I will back the quality we have.

“They are all tough games, tough-looking fixtures and the early games are really important for us to set the foundations."

(Action Images via Reuters)