Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League once again delivers a clash steeped in history and anticipation. 

On matchday one of the league phase, Newcastle United are set to face Barcelona at St James’ Park. The match is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 20:00 local time.

This meeting carries a nostalgic weight, as it marks a rematch of a classic encounter last staged in March 2003, when Barcelona triumphed 2-0 thanks to goals from Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta. Two decades later, the intensity returns to Tyneside, but under a very different backdrop.

Before the opening whistle, here is an overview of both teams’ current situations and Mansion Sports’ predictions for the lineups in Newcastle United vs Barcelona 2025.

Newcastle United: Building Confidence with New Faces

Newcastle’s primary spotlight shines on Nick Woltemade, the towering German striker acquired as the club’s most expensive signing following the departure of Alexander Isak. 

His debut made an instant impression—scoring a decisive header in a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton, ending a frustrating run of three winless matches.

Manager Eddie Howe expressed confidence that his side have rediscovered their rhythm. The win boosts morale as Newcastle prepare for their Champions League return, marking only their second appearance in the competition across the last three seasons. 

While the bitter memory of their 2023/24 campaign—where they fell from the so-called “group of death” featuring PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan—still lingers, their current group poses an equally daunting challenge, including Barcelona, Benfica, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSG.

Statistically, Newcastle’s European form remains underwhelming, with just one win in their last eight continental matches. 

Yet St James’ Park has proven a fortress, suffering only three defeats in their last 31 games on home soil. Encouragingly, their record against Spanish clubs stands at four wins in six encounters.

Barcelona: Title Defenders with European Ambition

Barcelona arrive with the momentum of reigning La Liga champions, having emphatically dismantled Valencia 6-0 last weekend. 

Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez each scored twice in a performance that manager Hansi Flick described as “perfect.”

The Catalan side’s ambitions this season are clear—retain their La Liga crown and end an 11-year wait to lift the Champions League trophy once more. 

Last season, their journey ended in heartbreaking fashion, edged out 6-7 on aggregate in the semifinal against Inter Milan. 

Nonetheless, Barcelona’s consistency in the group and league phase remains strong, with only two defeats in their last 17 encounters against English clubs.

Historically, Barcelona have also excelled in Champions League openers. Out of 29 participations, they have lost just three opening fixtures.

However, a 1-2 defeat to AS Monaco in last year’s first match serves as a stark reminder that caution is essential when visiting the intimidating atmosphere of St James’ Park.

Predicted Lineups for Newcastle United vs Barcelona 2025

Both sides enter the contest with injury concerns that prevent them from fielding their full squads.

Newcastle United (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
• Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento
• Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton
• Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon
• Manager: Eddie Howe

Newcastle will be without new signings Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey due to injury. However, Anthony Gordon is available for European competition despite his domestic suspension. 

In defense, Howe must decide whether to maintain the Schar–Burn partnership or introduce Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: J. Garcia
• Defenders: Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Martin
• Defensive Midfielders: Marc Casado, Pedri
• Attacking Midfielders: Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Marcus Rashford
• Forward: Robert Lewandowski
• Manager: Hansi Flick

Barcelona’s injury list is equally concerning. Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong remain doubtful, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, and Alejandro Balde are ruled out. 

Yet, the return of Lewandowski and Raphinha to the starting lineup brings optimism, with Marcus Rashford also in contention to start. Should De Jong not recover in time, Pedri and Casado will be entrusted with midfield duties.

Conclusion

The showdown at St James’ Park between Newcastle United and Barcelona is set to be one of the highlights of matchday one in the 2025/2026 Champions League. 

Both teams arrive with motivation and challenges in equal measure, rekindling a historic rivalry while promising a high-intensity battle.

Looking at the predicted lineups, the question remains: who is better prepared to claim an early victory in the league phase? Will Newcastle’s roaring home atmosphere prove to be their secret weapon, or will Barcelona’s depth and experience tilt the contest in their favor?