A mouthwatering Champions League contest takes centre stage at St James’ Park on Thursday night as Newcastle United prepare to host Spanish giants Barcelona in what promises to be a captivating opening League Phase fixture of the 2025–26 campaign. The clash marks a rare meeting between two clubs with vastly different European pedigrees but equally passionate fanbases, and it rekindles memories of their last encounter over two decades ago. That meeting, in March 2003, saw Barcelona secure a 2–0 away victory in the second group stage thanks to goals from Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta—a result that underlined the Catalan club’s continental superiority at the time. Fast forward to the present, and while Barcelona remain one of Europe’s most decorated sides, Newcastle have undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging from years of mid-table obscurity to become a force capable of challenging the elite, both domestically and abroad.
The build-up to this fixture has been dominated by the fallout from Alexander Isak’s deadline-day departure, a move that left many Newcastle supporters disillusioned given the Swedish striker’s importance to Eddie Howe’s attacking setup. However, the mood quickly shifted to cautious optimism with the arrival of Nick Woltemade, a towering 6ft 6in German forward who joined the Magpies following a prolific season at Stuttgart, where he netted 17 Bundesliga goals. All eyes were on Woltemade as he made his Premier League debut last Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the striker did not disappoint. Rising above the Wolves defence with commanding presence, he powered home a superb header in the first half to seal a slender 1–0 victory, ending Newcastle’s three-game winless run and injecting fresh belief into a squad that had looked short on confidence in recent weeks. Howe praised his team’s performance, stating that he “didn't see much wrong,” and the result has provided a timely morale boost ahead of their return to Europe’s premier club competition.
This season marks Newcastle’s second Champions League campaign in three years and their fourth overall, a testament to the club’s steady progress under Howe’s stewardship and the backing of their ambitious ownership group. Their previous outing in the competition, during the 2023–24 season, ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage, having been drawn into a brutal “group of death” alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. Despite some spirited performances, the Magpies fell short, but the experience has undoubtedly hardened them for the challenges ahead. The new League Phase format presents a fresh set of obstacles, with Newcastle set to face a daunting slate of fixtures against Barcelona, Benfica, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG once again. Yet, there is a palpable sense of excitement around St James’ Park, with fans eager to see how their team fares against some of Europe’s most storied clubs.
Statistically, Newcastle’s recent European form has been mixed. They have won just one of their last eight continental matches (D3 L4), a run that underscores the need for greater consistency on the big stage. However, their home record in Europe remains formidable, with only three defeats in their last 31 fixtures at St James’ Park (W21 D7). Moreover, they have a strong track record against Spanish opposition on home soil, winning four of their six encounters (L2), a trend that bodes well ahead of Thursday’s showdown. The atmosphere at St James’ Park is expected to be electric, with the Geordie faithful ready to roar their team on in what could be a defining night in the club’s modern history.
Barcelona, meanwhile, arrive in the North East riding a wave of momentum. Fresh off their second La Liga title in three seasons and first under head coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants have begun the defence of their domestic crown in emphatic fashion, collecting 10 points from their opening four matches. Their most recent outing—a 6–0 demolition of Valencia—was a statement of intent, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez all bagging braces in a performance that Flick described as “perfect.” It was Barcelona’s biggest win in any competition since 2016 and served as a reminder of their attacking potency and tactical fluidity under the German tactician. Currently sitting second in the La Liga standings behind early leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona are determined to reclaim domestic supremacy and, more importantly, end their 11-year wait for Champions League glory.
Last season, Barcelona came agonizingly close to reaching the final, only to fall short in a chaotic semi-final tie against Inter Milan, which ended 7–6 on aggregate. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also galvanized the squad, many of whom have returned this season with renewed focus and hunger. This campaign marks Barcelona’s 30th appearance in the Champions League—a record they share with Real Madrid—and they will be eager to mark the milestone with a deep run. In the previous edition, they finished second in the 36-team League Phase table, amassing 19 points from eight games and scoring a competition-high 28 goals. Their attacking output was led by Raphinha, who finished as joint-top scorer with 13 goals and added nine assists, while Lewandowski contributed nine goals in seven appearances, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.
Barcelona’s record against English clubs in the group stage or League Phase is impressive, with just two defeats in their last 17 encounters (W8 D7). They have also lost on matchday one in only three of their previous 29 Champions League campaigns (W20 D6), although one of those defeats came last season against Monaco. These statistics highlight the challenge facing Newcastle, who must be tactically astute and defensively resolute to contain a Barcelona side that thrives on possession, movement, and incisive attacking play. Flick’s system, which blends German efficiency with traditional Catalan flair, has brought a new dimension to Barcelona’s game, and the manager will be keen to see how his players adapt to the hostile environment of St James’ Park.
In terms of team news, Newcastle will be without summer signings Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey, both of whom are recovering from knee and ankle injuries respectively. However, Anthony Gordon—currently serving a domestic suspension—is available for European competition and could start on the left wing, potentially displacing Harvey Barnes. On the opposite flank, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy are vying for a starting berth, while Howe faces a decision at centre-back, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn having started against Wolves. Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw offer alternative options, and their inclusion could provide greater aerial presence and composure against Barcelona’s fluid front line. At left-back, Lewis Hall continues to push Tino Livramento for a starting role, and Howe’s final selection will likely hinge on tactical considerations and individual matchups.
Barcelona, too, have injury concerns. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is ruled out with a groin issue, joining Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back), Gavi (knee), and Alejandro Balde (hamstring) on the sidelines. However, there is cautious optimism surrounding Frenkie de Jong, who has been included in the travelling squad despite a muscle injury and will be assessed ahead of kickoff. His presence would be a significant boost, offering composure and vision in midfield alongside Pedri and potentially Marc Casado, who impressed in recent outings. In attack, Lewandowski and Raphinha are expected to return to the starting XI after scoring off the bench against Valencia, while Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is also in contention. Rashford’s pace and directness could be a valuable asset against Newcastle’s back line, particularly in transition moments.
Tactically, the matchup presents a fascinating contrast. Newcastle, under Howe, have developed a high-intensity pressing style that seeks to disrupt opponents and create quick attacking opportunities. Their midfield trio—likely to include Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sandro Tonali—will be tasked with breaking up Barcelona’s rhythm and launching counterattacks. Guimarães, in particular, will play a pivotal role in dictating tempo and shielding the defence, while Tonali’s range of passing could unlock spaces behind Barcelona’s high defensive line. Woltemade’s aerial prowess offers a direct outlet, and his ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be crucial.
Barcelona, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and control the game through intricate passing and positional rotations. Flick’s emphasis on verticality and quick ball circulation has revitalized the team’s attacking patterns, and the interplay between Pedri, Raphinha, and Lewandowski will be central to their approach. The absence of ter Stegen means Inaki Peña is likely to start in goal, and his distribution under pressure will be tested by Newcastle’s aggressive press. Defensively, Barcelona must be wary of set pieces and crosses into the box, where Woltemade and Burn pose significant threats.
As the Champions League anthem echoes around St James’ Park and the players emerge from the tunnel, the sense of occasion will be palpable. For Newcastle, it is a chance to prove they belong among Europe’s elite and to write a new chapter in their continental journey. For Barcelona, it is an opportunity to assert their credentials and begin their quest for a sixth European crown. The match promises drama, intensity, and moments of brilliance, and whether it ends in triumph or heartbreak, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both sets of supporters.
