Barcelona vs Newcastle head-to-head: Champions League rivals meet for the sixth time

All of the three Spanish clubs who remain in this season’s Champions League have been handed draws against Premier League sides in the Round of 16. While Real Madrid have a tough tie against Manchester City, Ivan Rakitic did Barcelona, his former club, a favor by deftly plucking out Newcastle United as the Last 16 rivals in today’s draw.

It could have been worse - Barça could have been pitted against PSG, the defending champions, and while none of the teams left in the competition could be described as pushovers, Newcastle are one of the more slightly accessible opponents simply because of the erratic season they’re having.

Eddie Howe’s team occupy 11th place in the Premier League but have performed well in this edition of the Champions League - suffering just two defeats: losing 2-1 to Olympique Marseille on matchday 5 and the same scoreline in the opening league phase game to the team they face next, Barcelona.

As that was the fifth and most recent meeting between the two clubs in European competition, it’s as good a place as any to start.

Rashford at the double

Hansi Flick’s team traveled to Tyneside to face Newcastle in matchday 1 of the 2025/26 Champions League. Both had chances on target in the first half but it was Marcus Rashford who broke the deadlock after the break, nodding home Jules Koundé’s center to score his first goal for his new club. Rashford rifled home in spectacular style to double the lead 10 minutes later while Anthony Gordon pulled one back for the hosts on full-time.

Sir Bobby’s back

Before this season, the most recent meeting between Barcelona and Newcastle was 23 years ago, during the second group stage of the 2002–03 campaign. It was an emotional return for Magpies manager Bobby Robson, facing the club he had won the treble with in 1997.

Barça hosted the first leg on December, 11 2002. Dani Garcia volleyed in the opener on seven minutes to put Louis van Gaal’s team in front. Shola Ameobi slotted under Bonnano to level it up on 24 minutes but the home team were soon back in front. Patrick Kluivert tucked in from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 then Thiago Motta’s glanced header just crept over the line to seal the win.

Kluivert and Motta were back on the scoresheet when the two teams returned for the second leg at St. James’ Park. The Dutch striker pounced on a defensive error to tap in the opener, and Motta connected with a Riquelme free-kick to score a sublime volley.

Asprilla shines in Newcastle’s Champions League debut

The first time Barcelona and Newcastle crossed paths was in the 1997–98 edition - The English club’s first appearance in the tournament. Both teams landed in Group C.

Managed by Kenny Dalglish, the Magpies could not have wished for a better start. Within 49 minutes, they were 3-0 up thanks to a Tino Asprilla hat trick - a penalty and two thundering headers. Luis Enrique and Figo beat Shay Given but it was too little, too late as it ended 3-2 on the whistle as Newcastle got their Champions League debut off to a winning start.

By the time it got to matchday 5, Barcelona, with just one point, were already mathematically eliminated and Newcastle, on four, in need of a miracle. Giovanni’s sumptuous chip settled the game at St James Park in what was basically a dead rubber. Despite Newcastle’s MD6 victory against Dynamo Kiev, both teams bowed out.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.