Match Preview for Newcastle v Barcelona
A blockbuster night of Champions League action awaits at St James’ Park on Thursday, where Newcastle United open their League Phase campaign against Spanish giants Barcelona.
It’s the first meeting between the sides in over two decades. Back in March 2003, goals from Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta sealed a 2-0 win for the Blaugrana in the second group stage clash of that particular campaign.
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Newcastle arrive with a boost after ending their three-match winless run in the Premier League thanks to new striker Nick Woltemade.
The 6ft 6in German, signed for a club-record fee after Alexander Isak’s late exit, marked his debut with a trademark header in a 1-0 win over Wolves.
Eddie Howe praised his side afterwards, insisting he “didn’t see much wrong” with their performance.
This is Newcastle’s second Champions League appearance in three seasons and their fourth overall.
Last time out in 2023-24, they fell short in a tough group featuring PSG, Dortmund and AC Milan. The Magpies know another testing schedule awaits with Barcelona, PSG, Benfica, Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen among their League Phase opponents.
The Tynesiders’ recent European record reads just one win in eight (D3 L4), but at St James’ Park they remain a formidable force – losing only three of their last 31 home matches in continental competition (W21 D7).
Their record against Spanish clubs on home soil is also encouraging: four wins in six.
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Barcelona, meanwhile, are flying. Fresh from reclaiming the La Liga crown under Hansi Flick last season, they have begun their title defence strongly, thrashing Valencia 6-0 at the weekend. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez all bagged braces in what Flick called a “perfect” performance.
The Catalans are eager to banish memories of last season’s chaotic semi-final defeat to Inter, where they lost 7-6 on aggregate. This is their 30th Champions League campaign – a record they share with Real Madrid – and in last season’s League Phase they finished second with 19 points and a competition-high 28 goals.
Historically, Barcelona thrive in early rounds, having lost only three of their 29 opening fixtures in the competition (W20 D6). Their record against English clubs is also strong: just two defeats in 17 recent group/League Phase encounters (W8 D7).
Team news for Newcastle v Barcelona
Newcastle are without new recruits Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle), both sidelined through injury. Anthony Gordon is suspended domestically but eligible here, likely starting on the left wing ahead of Harvey Barnes. On the opposite flank, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy are competing for selection.
Eddie Howe has decisions to make at the back: Fabian Schar and Dan Burn partnered against Wolves, but Sven Botman or Malick Thiaw could be drafted in. Lewis Hall is also pushing Tino Livramento for the left-back role.
For Barcelona, several absentees remain: goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), midfielder Gavi (knee) and left-back Alejandro Balde (hamstring) are long-term casualties. Frenkie de Jong (muscle) and teenager Lamine Yamal (groin) are doubtful.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, both off the bench to score against Valencia, are expected to return to the XI. Lewandowski boasts nine goals in his last seven League Phase games, while Raphinha ended last season as joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals and nine assists.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, is also pushing for a start in attack, while Marc Casado could partner Pedri in midfield if De Jong fails to recover in time.
Expected line-ups for Newcastle v Barcelona
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Barcelona: J. Garcia; Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubersi, Martin; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Ferin, Rashford; Lewandowski
