Newcastle United make their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League after a one-year absence, and they could hardly have asked for a bigger test than welcoming Spanish champions Barcelona to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side come into the clash with renewed belief after recording their first Premier League victory of the season, a narrow 1-0 win over Wolves. That result was a timely boost ahead of what feels like one of the most significant nights in Newcastle’s modern history.
Their recent record in Europe’s elite competition does not inspire confidence, with just one win from their last eight UCL fixtures (D3, L4). However, that sole triumph came on home soil in a memorable 4-1 victory over PSG, and with six wins from their last eight matches at St James’ Park in all competitions, the Magpies know they are strongest in front of their supporters.
Barcelona arrive in England in impressive form. The Catalan giants remain unbeaten in La Liga this term (W3, D1) and underlined their attacking prowess with a 6-0 demolition of Valencia at the weekend. Now embarking on their 30th consecutive season in the Champions League, Barça boast an exceptional opening-day record in the competition, losing just three of their 29 previous matchday one fixtures (W20, D6).
History also favours them in this fixture: the two clubs have met four times competitively, with Barcelona winning three of those encounters, including each of the last three.
The statistics further underline Barcelona’s threat. Hansi Flick’s men have won 12 of their last 16 Champions League matches against English opposition (D2, L2), while their group-stage games last season produced an average of over five goals per match. Newcastle, by contrast, tends to keep things tighter; only one of their last seven competitive games has seen both teams score, and they have conceded more than once in just one of their last ten European home outings.
Barcelona’s starting XI uploaded via the club’s official X account:
Newcastle’s starting XI uploaded via the team’s official X account:
Nick Woltemade made an immediate impact on his Newcastle debut, scoring the decisive goal against Wolves, and will be eager to shine again under the European spotlight. For Barcelona, Marcus Rashford is a proven menace to the Magpies, with eight goal involvements in 11 career starts against them (5 goals, 3 assists), including four contributions in six matches at St James’ Park.
Newcastle will be without summer signing Yoane Wissa, though Anthony Gordon is available as his suspension only applies to domestic competition. Barcelona, meanwhile, have injury concerns of their own, with Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi all sidelined.
With Newcastle eager to mark their Champions League return with a statement result and Barcelona intent on extending their strong European pedigree, a dramatic night under the lights at St James’ Park looks all but guaranteed.
