PREVIEW | Newcastle United v FC Barcelona
A place in the final for a potential sixth title was so close, as the dreams of making it a season for the ages were dashed late on at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium last time out. However, all that can be put to bed now, as Barça can make it right in the competition that everyone wants to win more than any other, the Champions League. This 71st European Cup may end in Budapest, but it starts in Newcastle and it's time to dream again.
Big test ahead
The first European test for this 25/26 Barça side comes in the north of England, at an invariably raucous St James' Park, where the aim is to stand tall and let the football do the talking. The first outing for insatiable players who want to go as far as possible in the Champions League.
This trip to Newcastle, some 22 years later, represents a major challenge this early in the season, as playing at the home of the Magpies is always a big test. Newcastle have had a clear way of playing under coach Eddie Howe since his appointment in 2021, and he has twice taken them into the Champions League in that period, equalling the club's record prior to his arrival.
Woltemade straight into the action
The English coach sets his team up to play with high intensity and physicality, featuring tough defenders in Schär and Burn, plus Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in midfleld. Alexander Isak was transferred to Liverpool for a record fee, and his replacement in attack is German Nick Woltemade. The former Stuttgart player scored a goal on this debut last weekend to help the team to the first win of the season.
Frenkie de Jong returns
Today's opponents haven't made the best of starts in the league, with five points from the 12 available, but the Champions League is another matter and the stats have little bearing. Barça are very much aware of that and can count on the returning Frenkie de Jong, the only new face compared to the previous match. That means Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Balde are still absent, while Newcastle have both Jacob Ramsey and recent signing Yoane Wissa unavailable.
It all adds up to what looks like a top quality CL tie. May the best team with, and may that be Barça.