Marcus Rashford scored his first goals for Barcelona - including a sensational strike from outside the box - as Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League ended in defeat at St James’ Park, despite a late rally after Anthony Gordon pulled one back.
Rashford broke the deadlock just before the hour-mark as he steered a bullet header past goalkeeper Nick Pope for his first Champions League in almost four years, and his first for Barcelona since joining from Manchester United this summer.
And the England international doubled Barcelona’s lead with an even better goal a few minutes later as he unleashed an unstoppable, dipping shot from the edge of the box off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Pope with no chance.
Newcastle had been competitive against the Spanish champions until that point, and had the best chance of the first half as Anthony Elanga set up Harvey Barnes at the back post, only for Joan Garcia to save.
Newcastle’s first match in the Champions League in two years was met by a ferocious atmosphere at St James’ Park, with Gordon finishing off a swift move late on to give the hosts some late hope, but the night belonged to Rashford.
Follow all the updates from St. James’ Park with our live blog below:
Newcastle vs Barcelona live
- Marcus Rashford scores twice to lead Barcelona to thrilling win at Newcastle
- 89' GOAL! Anthony Gordon pulls one back for Newcastle late on [NEW 1-2 BAR]
- 67' GOAL! Rashford unleashes unstoppable shot to double Barcelona's lead [NEW 0-2 BAR]
- 59' GOAL! Rashford's first Barcelona goal silences St James' Park [NEW 0-1 BAR]
- 24' SAVE! Barnes misses chance as Newcastle start well in frantic game [NEW 0-0 BAR]
The Rashford moment that revealed why Barcelona may revive his career
23:32 , Jamie BraidwoodMarcus Rashford mopped his brow and hugged his Barcelona boss Hansi Flick as he walked off St James’ Park.
Then a big smile flashed across Rashford’s face. A rare smile. Flick offered a whisper of praise, and no wonder.
Come his substitution in the 81st minute he’d conjured two goals, his first for the Catalans, after an assist against Valencia at the weekend.
A difficult Champions League tie at Newcastle was won thanks to his ruthless improvisation. A thrilling performance that shows he is happy, motivated, confident and, perhaps, getting back to his world-class best.
The Marcus Rashford moment that revealed why Barcelona may revive his career
Marcus Rashford sets sights on winning Champions League with Barcelona
23:17 , Jamie Braidwood"It's only to win it,” Rashford says. “Nothing else is on our minds. We know how tough the competition is."
Anthony Gordon reflects on missed chances and defeat to Barcelona
23:03 , Jamie BraidwoodAnthony Gordon said Newcastle were “knackered” chasing Pedri and Frenkie de Jong when Barcelona had the ball but said his team can be “proud” of their efforts.
"Rashford scored two goals out of nowhere. It's got to be the same for us and take the opportunities when they're presented to us,” he told TNT Sports.
“2-0 down to Barca feels like an uphill battle. We got the goal which is testament to our mentality. We were knackered.
"We can be proud of how we played. We gave it our best against one of the top teams in the planet. I didn't think there was much in the game. We had the better moments but we need to put them away."
Eddie Howe: 'We couldn't get the ball off them'
22:47 , Jamie Braidwood"The chances were there in the first half. Against teams like this you won't get many. We got punished.
“It was a good performance, strong effort. These nights are only magical for us if we win. But we'll learn and grow our game from nights like this.
"We kept going until the end. That's what we pride ourselves on. They managed the extra time well - we were desperate for the ball but couldn't get it off them."
Eddie Howe: 'The first goal was crucial'
22:34 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle manager Eddie Howe tells TNT Sports that Rashford’s first goal was “crucial” on the night and adds that his second was “unbelievable”.
"We were really in the game so we are disappointed,” Howe says. Scoring the first goal was crucial, on reflection. It was a gutsy display from us.
"We wanted to play high octane football and it was there but we didn't get the bounce of the ball. We didn't take our chances.
"The second goal is an unbelievable finish from Marcus Rashford."
Marcus Rashford on scoring first goals for Barcelona
22:18 , Jamie BraidwoodRashford speaks with TNT Sports after his first Barcelona goals. Safe to say he’s enjoying life at his new club.
“It’s going good, learning a lot. It’s a new way of playing football but I’m enjoying it all and I think it’s making me a better player. That’s why I’m here.
“Honestly it’s an amazing experience. I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona. Amazing players, amazing football. We want to win as much as possible.
“I’m full of excitement. I’m motivated, determined. It’s refreshing to play with these guys.”
Marcus Rashford player of the match after Champions League double
22:13 , Jamie BraidwoodUnsurprisingly, Marcus Rashford is named player of the match.
“It’s great to see him do well,” says Joe Cole on TNT Sports. “When he’s at the top of his game he can be unstoppable. It’s great to see him smiling. When he’s at his best he can be an England starter, a Barcelona starter, he can play for any team in the world.”
FULL TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
22:07 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle xG [expected goals] was higher than Barcelona’s tonight.
Rashford made the difference.
FULL TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
22:04 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle are applauded off despite defeat. They were the better team in the fist half and missed a big chance to take the lead.
Rashford’s two goals in nine minutes stunned the hosts, and their fightback was too little, too late. Barcelona showed their class, led by an Englishman.
FULL TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
22:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a game! But it’s Rashford’s night! Two goals in nine minutes, the second a stunner, as it helps Barcelona to an opening win in the Champions League.
FULL TIME! Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:59 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle can’t fnd another moment and Barcelona hang on! They clear Livramento’s long throw, and Tonali’s shot from range goes straight at Garcia!
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:58 , Jamie Braidwood90+6 mins: Raphinha shoots at Pope and Casado is booked for a professional foul. So Newcastle will have one last chance to get it forward.
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:56 , Jamie Braidwood90+5 mins: SAVE! Sharp stop from Pope to deny Olmo’s low effort. That would have been it.
Barcelona keep the ball in the corner.
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:55 , Jamie Braidwood90+4 mins: Gordon has pulled up with cramp. Barcelona have the ball and Pedri draws a free-kick.
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:54 , Jamie Braidwood90+2 mins: Indeed, Barcelona try to kill some seconds as Casado replaces Lopez for the last few minutes.
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
21:53 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: That was a lovely Newcastle goal and it came from nowhere! Woltemade was involved as Newcastle cut Barcelona open.
Now, the visitors will look to shut up shop and kill this game off.
GOAL! Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona (GORDON 89')
21:51 , Jamie Braidwood... Or have they! Gordon stays onside to finish Jacob Murphy’s cross!
Newcastle are back in it and there are seven minutes of added time!
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:50 , Jamie Braidwood89 mins: Guimaraes and Tonali have both hit the ball straight out of play in the last 10 minutes or so. Newcastle have been completely rocked by Rashford’s second goal...
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:49 , Jamie Braidwood88 mins: Barcelona are able to counter-attack with ease as Raphinha skips away and tees up Fermin Lopez, who hits over the bar first-time.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:46 , Jamie Braidwood85 mins: Barcelona have completely taken control of midfield, with De Jong and Pedri and Olmo popping passes between them.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:44 , Jamie Braidwood81 mins: Rashford makes way and is replaced for the final few minutes. It’s been his night.
Dani Olmo replaces him.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:41 , Jamie Braidwood78 mins: Torres is on for Barcelona, replacing Lewandowski, and goes down in the box looking for a penalty after a ball over the top.
Rashford then goes down after an off-the-ball challenge from Thiaw. The defender just extended his arm as Rashford made an arcing run across him.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:36 , Jamie Braidwood74 mins: Guimaraes shoots from outside of the box and catches it well on his left, but it’s straight at Garcia.
Rashford is looking so confident now and drives at Trippier. The full-back recovers just in time to win the challenge in the box but looks to have pulled up with some cramp. Rashford raced away from him.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:34 , Jamie Braidwood72 mins: Barcelona are toying with Newcastle now. Rashford pings a lovely ball towards Raphinha, who skips inside and blasts a low shot wide of goal.
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona
21:31 , Jamie Braidwood69 mins: All of a sudden it’s Rashford’s night. What a story. His first two Barcelona goals and first two goals in the Champions League in four years.
Can Newcastle respond?
Newcastle 0-2 Barcelona (RASHFORD 67')
21:28 , Jamie BraidwoodINCREDIBLE GOAL FROM RASHFORD! SENSATIONAL! HE ARROWS AN UNSTOPPABLE STRIKE INTO THE TOP CORNER!
What a hit, son, what a hit. St James’ Park truly is silenced now, apart from the ripple of Barcelona fans high up in the stadium.
It breaks to Rashford on the edge of the box. He works it onto his right foot and blasts a wicked, dipping strike across the goal and into the top corner.
Pope had no chance.
Marcus Rashford take. A. Bow. 🚀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 18, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/8SDW84n3h2
Newcastle 0-1 Barcelona
21:26 , Jamie Braidwood65 mins: Tonali’s free-kick from the left is a waste. Newcastle’s set-pieces have been poor tonight, but Barcelona have dealt with them pretty well in fairness.
Newcastle 0-1 Barcelona
21:25 , Jamie BraidwoodRashford’s first Barcelona goal is also his first in the Champions League since October 2021, almost four years ago!
Newcastle 0-1 Barcelona
21:23 , Jamie Braidwood61 mins: Schar can’t continue after taking Rashford’s shot to the head.
Newcastle were going to make changes anyway, but Schar is going to be replaced.
It’s four changes in fact. Woltemade, Murphy, the centre-back Thiaw, and Willock.
Barnes, Joelinton, Schar and Elanga make way.
Surprised to see Elanga come off!
GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Barcelona (RASHFORD 58')
21:19 , Jamie BraidwoodWOW WHAT A HEADER FROM RASHFORD! HIS FIRST BARCELONA GOAL AND IT SILENCES THE NEWCASTLE FANS!
That’s brilliant from Rashford. Kounde stood up the cross with his left foot and Rashford found space between the Newcastle centre-backs. He powers the header down into the ground and past Pope.
He becomes the first English player to score a European goal for Barcelona since Gary Lineker!
For the first time since October 2021, Marcus Rashford scores in the Champions League! 👏
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 18, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/dI5YZkBCDf
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:18 , Jamie Braidwood57 mins: Another corner for Newcastle. Trippier hangs it high towards Burn at the back post, but he can’t make a connection. There are more cheers as Newcastle force Barcelona to concede the throw-in that allows them to keep the pressure on.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:16 , Jamie Braidwood54 mins: Rashford hooks a volley on his left foot straight out of play as the cameras cut, perhaps unfairly, to England boss Thomas Tuchel. It’s not been a great night for Rashford so far.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:15 , Jamie Braidwood53 mins: Wonderful pass from Livramento through to Elanga but there wasn’t a target in the box.
Newcastle keep the attack alive and it ends with Tonali running onto a shot from the edge of the box.
He catches it first time but it’s straight at Garcia, who saves pretty comfortably.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:13 , Jamie Braidwood52 mins: Schar is back up but Barcelona have a corner against 10 men. The visitors make a mess of it after taking the corner short.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:12 , Jamie Braidwood50 mins: BLOCK! Lewandowski sets up Fermin Lopez with a nut-meg. It breaks to Rashford, who cuts inside and fires at goal.
Schar blocks with his face, but the defender looks to be in some discomfort. That was a full blow to the head and he is being treated by doctors while lying on his back.
He’s responding.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:10 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins: The end-to-end nature of the first half looks to have resumed at the start of the second. Tonali has the chance to slip through Elanga but gets caught in two minds and overhits the pass.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:09 , Jamie Braidwood47 mins: Barnes wins the first corner of the second half as Araujo blocks his cross in front of the Gallowgate End.
Joelinton meets Elanga’s cross but flicks it wide! It wasn’t close in the end but Barcelona were in trouble if he found the target.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:07 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: Very strange scenes as Tonali smashes the ball straight out of play from kick-off, only to be forced to retake kick-off because the referee wasn’t ready.
Tonali hits the second kick-off straight out of play too. I personally hate this new trend, but here we are...
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:05 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: Almost ready to get back underway.
HALF TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
21:05 , Jamie BraidwoodElanga has been Newcastle’s brightest player but the hosts have missed a central presence
Could we see Nick Woltemade getting on the end on some of the winger’s crosses from the right?
He’ll surely be one of Newcastle’s changes in the second half.
HALF TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:56 , Jamie BraidwoodThe moment of the match so far for Newcastle was Anthony Elanga starting his run from inside his half and beating the Barcelona high line.
He found the perfect ball across to Harvey Barnes, but he couldn’t finish!
Blink and you'll miss him. Elanga is speed ⚡️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 18, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/AwVX9diD8q
HALF TIME! Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:50 , Jamie BraidwoodEveryone take a breath! It’s been frantic but it remains goalless at St James’ Park.
Both teams have had spells where they have been on top but Newcastle have had the best chance of the game.
It fell to Barnes at the back post but Garcia saved with his feet. Elanga set it up and has been the game’s best player so far.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:48 , Jamie Braidwood45+1 mins: Burn chases after Kounde down to the touchline. The centre-back is out of position and ends up picking up a yellow card after sliding in on the France defender.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:46 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins: Martin is very late into the challenge on Guimaraes, catching the Newcastle captain as he stretches in. The left back is booked.
There will be two minutes of added time.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:45 , Jamie Braidwood43 mins: Barcelona back off Elanga but Joelinton’s cross is poor. Gordon keeps the attack going and draws a corner from Kounde.
Newcastle are finishing the half on top but Barcelona clear and then Garcia collects Livramento’s ball back in.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:42 , Jamie Braidwood41 mins: Corner for Newcastle! And they’re not taking this short as Burn stands next to the goalkeeper. But Garcia does well to punch away.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:41 , Jamie Braidwood40 mins: Raphinha puts the free-kick well over. He did have Dan Burn standing in the wall in front of him...
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:40 , Jamie Braidwood38 mins: Block! Barcelona have control of this now and Rashford skips past Trippier to find space for the shot on his left foot. Schar reads it well and dives into the challenge to block.
Newcastle again can’t clear and Barcelona keep it alive through Kounde. Raphinha is then fouled. It’s been relentless from Barcelona in the past five minutes or so.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:37 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: Some pressure from Barcelona. Lewandowski cracks a shot straight at Schar, when perhaps Rashford was the better option out wide.
Newcastle can’t clear and Lewandowski tries again, this time working the ball onto his left. It’s blocked again and Raphinha shoots wide at the back post.
A flurry of goal-mouth action but Newcastle survive.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:34 , Jamie Braidwood33 mins: Lewandowski holds up four fingers after the latest heavy challenge from Schar draws a foul. A message to the referee.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:31 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: It’s Elanga again... he almost finds a brilliant ball for Barnes after driving at the Barcelona defence, but Kounde is there to clear. A good spell this for Newcastle.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:29 , Jamie Braidwood28 mins: Elanga is the danger man for Newcastle and is giving his aggressive Barcelona high line a real test. Joelinton’s scooped ball over the top is too powerful, with Elanga looking to hold his run for as long as possible.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:25 , Jamie Braidwood24 mins; SAVE! Oh what a move from Newcastle! Elanga beats the offside trap, starting his run from deep after Gordon looked to be the target, and there’s no catching him once he’s away!
Elanga fires it across to Barnes at the back post, but his shot is saved by Garcia and hacked away by Barcelona!
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:24 , Jamie Braidwood22 mins: Lovely touch from Guimaraes to Tonali in midfield, with the Italian then looking to find Elanga out on the right. Martin wins the challenge in the box.
Barcelona come again. There’s been a good tempo to the game so far.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:22 , Jamie Braidwood21 mins: Newcastle have not been able to threaten in any of their set-piece opportunities yet. Trippier’s cross doesn’t beat the first man. At the other end, Livramento’s header almost plays in Rashford, but Trippier recovers to make the challenge.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:20 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: CHANCE! Raphinha’s cross looks menacing and almost finds Lewandowski, who looks to be poaching in the box and sniffing out the chance. But Pope is brave to get out and punch the cross away. He narrowly misses punching Lewandowski but the goalkeeper did well.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:18 , Jamie Braidwood17 mins: The game has settled down a touch and for the first time Pedri and De Jong can string some passes together.
Rashford almost finds Raphinha’s run but Burn reads the danger well to clear.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:17 , Jamie Braidwood15 mins: Trippier goes short from the corner and tries to work a different angle to cross the ball. Joan Garcia comes out to collect the inswinging delivery.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:15 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: The ball breaks to Trippier in the box but he comes onto his left foot and the chance is gone. He finds Barnes at the back post, but Kounde gets across.
Corner.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:13 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: Raphinha shapes up Burn and the defender backs off in the box. But there’s a miscommunication between Raphinha and Kounde, and Pope collects.
Barcelona are starting to find a couple of ways to cut through Newcastle with pace. Newcastle can’t switch off against them.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:10 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins; Lovely interchange between Tonali and Barnes, but Garcia holds onto the winger’s cross.
It’s been all Newcastle but Barcelona break through Rashford, who rolls Trippier.
It’s a great run from Rashford but the finish is scuffed wide of the near post.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:08 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: OFFSIDE! Barnes is slipped through and chips just wide, but he was offside. The Barcelona offside trap works well this time on the edge of their box.
It’s been a full-blooded start from Newcastle. Just as you would expect.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:07 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: CHANCE! It’s wicked pace from Elanga to burst past Martin and cut the ball back.
It falls nicely for Gordon but he completely misses his kick! What an opportunity eight yards out.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:05 , Jamie Braidwood4 mins: The Newcastle fans almost celebrate Elanga’s tackle on Gerard Martin, to win a throw-in deep inside Barcelona’s half, as if it’s a goal. This is a wild atmosphere.
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:05 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: Fermin Lopez’s shoots well wide before Newcastle win a free-kick when Joelinton is fouled just inside the Barcelona half. It’s sent long to Dan Burn, but Barcelona clear.
How will the Spanish champions deal with the giant Burn and these Newcastle set-pieces?
Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:03 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: Barnes and Gordon go racing after the ball as Barcelona build from the back, increasing the noise. The goalkeeper Garcia plays a risky pass and Newcastle win it back. There are appeals for a penalty but Araujo was too strong for Barnes.
KICK-OFF! Newcastle 0-0 Barcelona
20:01 , Jamie BraidwoodA huge roar immediately turns into boos as Barcelona get us going!
Newcastle v Barcelona
19:57 , Jamie BraidwoodThe players walk out as the Champions League anthem rings around this famous ground. The noise is incredible.
Newcastle v Barcelona
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodThere’s an ACDC theme at St James’ Park.
“Back in Black and White” reads a banner.
The hosts have gone all out for the arrival of Barcelona.
St James' is looking GLORIOUS 🤩
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 18, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/VHPc9ML3nx
Reminder of team news and how to watch
19:55 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes,Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Subs: Ramsdale,Miley, Alex Murphy, Willock, Woltemade, Jacob Murphy, Osula,Krafth, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Thompson.
Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia, Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Gerard,de Jong, Gonzalez, Raphinha, Lopez, Rashford, Lewandowski
Subs:Toni Fernandez, Bardghji, Torrents, Eric Garcia, Bernal, Olmo,Casado, Christensen, Torres, Kochen, Szczesny.
How can I watch it?
Newcastle v Barcelona will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.
Newcastle v Barcelona
19:52 , Jamie BraidwoodKick-off at St James’ Park is fast approaching and it looks to be a special atmosphere as Newcastle welcome Barcelona. St James’ is decked out in black and white.
How will Barcelona stand up to it?
Barcelona's danger man
19:48 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona may be without Lamine Yamal, but they still have Raphinha, last season’s top scorer in the Champions League. The Brazilian has scored an astonishing 16 goals from his last 16 appearances in the competition.
Sir Bobby Robson: The link between Newcastle and Barcelona
19:45 , Jamie BraidwoodOne of the greatest managers in English football history, Sir Bobby Robson is the link between Newcastle and Barcelona and was poignantly remembered with a scarf before kick-off tonight.
He took charge of Barcelona for a short spell from 1996, leading a team that included Ronaldo and Pep Guardiola to three trophies, including the Copa del Rey, in the 1996/97 campaign.
He was Newcastle manager on the last time they faced Barcelona in 2003.
Eddie Howe explains his Newcastle team
19:37 , Jamie BraidwoodEddie Howe says Nick Woltemade is still building up his fitness after signing for Newcastle but adds that the striker will play a part tonight after being replaced by Anthony Gordon.
“We’re boosted by Saturday and getting off the mark in the Premier League. We want to be competitive this time and get through to the next stage.
“[Last season] was a real challenge. Now we have a strong squad. It’s enabled me to make a couple of changes today.
“With Nick, he got cramp after about 50 minutes on Saturday. We’ve got another game coming up quickly, but Nick will have a part to play tonight.”
Hansi Flick delighted with 'unbelievable' Marcus Rashford
19:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHansi Flick was delighted to take Marcus Rashford to Barcelona after being stunned by his ability while at Manchester United.
"I think I have to look a little bit back because I have really followed Marcus since he started at Manchester and I always said 'Wow! What kind of player he is, he is unbelievable'.
"He has speed but also in a one-against-one situation, he's really fantastic and also his finishing, it's unbelievable.
"What I saw in the first weeks here, it's really good and I think he also some more potential he can show us and of course he wants to do this. For me, it's great to have in in my team."
Bruno Guimaraes 'excited' to take on Barcelona
19:15 , Jamie Braidwood"I'm very excited. I've never faced Barcelona before. It's one of the teams that I watched when I was young,” said Newcastle’s captain on the eve of the Champions League opener.
"The player that made me fall in love with football was Ronaldinho, so I always watched Barcelona play, and after [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi, [Lionel] Messi - and it's nice to see another Brazilian sign there again, Raphinha, so we're very excited.
"I think we have one of the best midfields in the Premier League, to be honest, and now we have to prove it in the Champions League as well."
Tino Asprilla returns to Newcastle for Barcelona clash
19:05 , Jamie BraidwoodSky Sports News managed to track down Tino Asprilla before tonight’s match, with the hat-trick hero from 1997 back on Tyneside for the latest clash between Newcastle and Barcelona.
“Very happy to be here,” he told Sky. “I love coming back to the city. I feel the love I had nearly 30 years ago. I’m looking forward to it and we’re hoping to get the best result possible.
“I remember everything. It was a phenomenal night. I didn’t expect to play but I came out, heard the Champions League music... it’s incredible to be here. The whole city is behind the lads. A 3-2 win again would be amazing.”
Tino Asprilla is back on Tyneside ahead of Newcastle's UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 18, 2025
The Colombian scored a hat-trick against the Spanish side in a 3-2 victory back in 1997 ⏮️ pic.twitter.com/8mMNd78GMe
Marcus Rashford starts for Barcelona as Frenkie de Jong returns
18:53 , Jamie BraidwoodFrenkie de Jong returns from injury to start for Barcelona, who name Marcus Rashford in their starting line-up alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha for the visit to St James’ Park.
Ronald Araujo returns at centre-back to captain the visitors. Lamine Yamal is not available due to injury while Gavi and Alejandro Balde are out.
Nick Woltemade replaced by Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
18:50 , Jamie BraidwoodNick Woltemade and Jacob Murphy drop to the bench as Eddie Howe makes two changes from the side that started against Wolves.
They are replaced by Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon, who returns for the first time since his red card against Liverpool last month.
New signing Yoane Wissa has been ruled out until October due to a knee injury, while Jacob Ramsey is also unavailable.
Newcastle v Barcelona team news and line-ups!
18:47 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Fermin; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Rashford
Newcastle arrive at St James' Park ahead of Barcelona showdown
18:40 , Jamie BraidwoodWill Nick Woltemade get the chance to add to his dream Newcastle start after scoring on his debut against Wolves? The team news will drop in the next few minutes.
Memories of Newcastle's 4-1 win over PSG ahead of facing Barcelona
18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle claimed one of the best results in their modern history when they humbled Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 on their Champions League return two years ago.
The Magpies ultimately did not progress but Eddie Howe believes his team are “stronger” this time around as they prepare to face Barcelona.
"It feels different, the build-up is different. We hadn't done that before and that experience will help us,” Howe said.
"I think the squad is arguably stronger than it was two years ago. Certainly the squad is different and I will back the quality we have.
“They are all tough games, tough-looking fixtures and the early games are really important for us to set the foundations."
Eddie Howe 'disappointed' by Lamine Yamal's absence
18:15 , Jamie Braidwood“For me, it’s a shame he’s not playing. I’m disappointed that we don’t get to see him at his best playing in the game,” the Newcastle boss said before facing Barcelona.
“But whoever they play, they’ve got real pace in wide areas, we know that. They’ve got international players that will challenge us in different ways, so I think structurally our team performance has got to be really strong, we’ve got to defend well in wide areas, so we’re looking forward to that battle.”
Hansi Flick hails Marcus Rashford as Barcelona prepare for Newcastle test
18:00 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona boss Hansi Flick is confident there is more to come from “unbelievable” England striker Marcus Rashford as he returns to his native country with Champions League points at stake.
The 27-year-old, who scored in his country’s 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Serbia last week, will hope to repeat the feat against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday evening in the colours of the club he has joined on loan from Manchester United for the season.
Hansi Flick hails Marcus Rashford as Barcelona prepare for Newcastle test
Eddie Howe keen for Newcastle to make their mark on Champions League
17:40 , Jamie BraidwoodEddie Howe has insisted Newcastle are not along for the ride as they embark upon a new Champions League campaign against Barcelona having “failed” two seasons ago.
The Magpies announced their return to the biggest European stage in October 2023 when they took Paris St Germain apart at St James’ Park with a 4-1 victory, which gave them every chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Ultimately they did not make it out of the group and that is very much in head coach Howe’s mind as he prepares for a similarly testing fixture in this season’s opener against Hansi Flick’s men.
Eddie Howe keen for Newcastle to make their mark on Champions League
The cherished Newcastle advantage that can inspire Champions League success over Barcelona
17:20 , Richard JollyTino Asprilla is hanging in the Tyneside night sky. The Colombian possessed a natural spring and an unusual hang time, but he has remained there for almost 28 years. In many an imagination in Newcastle, anyway. Newcastle against Barcelona conjures memories, though some of them were never forgotten.
Asprilla’s penalty against Louis van Gaal’s Barcelona can be obscured by what followed; by the two headers that completed his hat-trick, by the sight of Keith Gillespie tormenting Sergi and standing up crosses, by the sense of the spectacular and the surreal. It only has one rival for the title of St James’ Park’s greatest Champions League night: a 4-1 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain two years ago that has come to look like a still better result since then.
The cherished Newcastle advantage that can inspire Champions League success
What is the Barcelona team news?
17:05 , Jamie BraidwoodBarcelona will be without star forward Lamine Yamal, who is sidelined with a groin injury but Frenkie de Jong is available. Marc Andre ter Stegen, Gavi and Alejandro Balde are out. Marcus Rashford returns to England with Barcelona and could start alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in attack.
What is the Newcastle team news?
17:03 , Jamie BraidwoodNick Woltemade could start for Newcastle after marking his debut with the winning goal against Wolves on Saturday. New signging Yoane Wissa has been ruled out until October due to a knee injury, while Jacob Ramsey is also unavailable. Anthony Gordon is available despite his Premier League suspension.
When is Newcastle v Barcelona?
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Champions League tie will kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 18 September at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
How can I watch it?
Newcastle v Barcelona will be shown live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, with coverage getting underway from 7pm.
Good evening
16:58 , Jamie BraidwoodNewcastle United return to the Champions League and welcome European giants Barcelona to St James’ Park in a blockbuster opening game of their campaign.
It’s been 22 years since Newcastle last faced Barcelona in the Champions League, following Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick in a memorable first meeting in 1997.
Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three years last season and they will hope for a longer run in Europe this time around.
Two years ago, the Magpies sensationally defeated Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park but were ultimately knocked out of the ‘group of death’.
A change in format could work in Newcastle’s favour, but Spanish champions and last season’s semi-finalists Barcelona is another tough start for Howe’s side.
