The Champions League serves up another blockbuster as Barcelona travels to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United. While Flick’s side arrive with confidence after steady domestic form, they’ll be without their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose flashy dribbles and creativity have become a vital spark in Barça’s attack. For Newcastle, the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park offers the perfect atmosphere to test themselves against European royalty, and with Barcelona missing their brightest young star, the Magpies will sense an opportunity to tilt the balance.
Match Details
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona
- Date: Friday, 19 September 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 AM IST
- Venue: St. James’ Park
Newcastle United Vs Barcelona Key Stats:
Barcelona head into this clash with a strong recent record in the Champions League, having finished 2nd in last season’s group stage with 19 points from six wins out of eight games. In La Liga, they have started the 2025–26 season with 10 points from four matches, currently sitting second in the table. Historically, Barça have found English soil difficult to conquer, with only three wins in their last ten away games against Premier League opposition. To make matters trickier for Flick, they will be without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who directly contributed to four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions before injury. With Yamal sidelined, Barcelona will be hoping the rest of their attack can step up, particularly Raphinha, last season’s Champions League top scorer, and Pedri, whose creativity and midfield control are vital for breaking down compact defenses.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are participating in just their second consecutive UCL campaign in the modern era, but St. James’ Park has already proven a fortress; the Magpies lost only once at home in Europe last season. In the Premier League, they have collected five points from their first four matches, with a record of one win, two draws, and one loss, placing them 10th in the standings. The long-running Alexander Isak saga finally concluded with his sale to Liverpool, leaving a notable gap in attack. However, the Magpies have moved decisively to fill that void with new signings, including Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, and Yoane Wissa, all of whom bring different qualities to the frontline. Woltemade has already made headlines with a debut winner, while Elanga and Wissa add pace, versatility, and experience, giving Newcastle confidence that they can remain competitive despite Isak’s departure.
Key Players To Watch Out For:
Barcelona :
- Raphinha – Last season’s UCL top scorer for Barcelona, involved in 7 goals in the group stage. Known for his in behind runs and lethal finishing.
- Pedri – He completed 918 passes into the final third last season, more than any other player in La Liga, acting as the main creative force in midfield. His vision and ball retention are crucial for breaking compact defenses.
Newcastle United :
- Nick Woltemade – New club record signing, scored a debut winner against Wolves, and brings a strong aerial presence (6’6”) that will be crucial on set-pieces.
- Bruno Guimarães – Completed over 90% of passes in recent PL matches, linking defense and attack efficiently.
Tactical Battle
Barcelona will look to dominate possession and exploit Newcastle’s compact defensive shape, but without Lamine Yamal, they lose a direct outlet on the right and much of their unpredictability. Flick will rely on Raphinha to stretch the Magpies, while Pedri orchestrates play from midfield, threading passes through tight spaces and linking with Rashford or Ferran Torres.
Newcastle, however, will be energized by the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park, which has historically given them an edge in big European nights. They famously defeated PSG in a dramatic encounter two seasons ago. The Magpies are expected to exploit Barcelona’s high line using Woltemade and Dan Burn, both towering at 6’6”, targeting set-piece opportunities in the style that Inter Milan used to hurt Barça last season.
Flick will also have to manage the emotional side for his players, as Barcelona’s last visit to England in this competition ended painfully with a 4–0 defeat to Liverpool, one of the most famous comebacks in Champions League history. The game may depend on how effectively Flick implements a high line and offside traps to compress space and prevent Newcastle’s counter-attacks. While Barcelona aims to control possession, Newcastle’s pace, physicality, and set-piece threat make this a potentially dangerous encounter, with the outcome likely determined by which side executes their tactical plan more efficiently.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Nick Woltemade.
- Head coach: Eddie Howe
Barcelona: Joan García, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Pedri, Marc Casadó, Raphinha, Fermín López, Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski.
- Head coach: Hansi Flick
Newcastle United Vs Barcelona Key Injuries
- Barcelona: Lamine Yamal, Pablo Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Ter Stegen
- Newcastle United: Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Sven Botman
