Newcastle United is preparing to host FC Barcelona in the first round of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League at St. James' Park, in a match that carries memories of Faustino Asprilla's historic hat-trick in the 1997/1998 season, which secured Newcastle a 3-2 victory at home.

The two teams have met four times in European competitions, with Barcelona achieving three victories compared to just one win for Newcastle. Barcelona regained dominance in recent encounters, winning 3-1 and 2-0 in the group stages of the 2002/2003 season, while Newcastle remains one of the teams that have proven their superiority over Spanish teams on English soil, winning four out of six matches.

Newcastle enters this match in its fourth Champions League campaign, and the second since facing Barcelona in 2002, as Eddie Howe's team finished its last campaign in fourth place in its group. Meanwhile, Barcelona is embarking on its thirtieth season in the tournament, a record it shares with Real Madrid, and boasts a strong record, having lost only three times in the opening rounds of the group stage during its previous participations.

The match comes amid impressive performances from Barcelona, led by Hans Flick, who reached the semifinals last season after a strong showing against Benfica and Borussia Dortmund, while Newcastle is struggling with a decline in European results, having won only one match in its last eight games and lost its last two matches at home.

Notable players for Barcelona include the standout stars such as Robert Lewandowski, who has scored nine goals in the last seven group stage matches, and top scorer Raphinha, who leads the season's scoring chart with 13 goals and 9 assists, confirming his status as a key player in the team's attack.

This match represents a tough test for both teams, as Newcastle seeks to regain its winning rhythm at home, while Barcelona aims to maintain its strong record in group stage openers, in a match that carries historical significance and great football excitement.