Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Tickets

Newcastle United and FC Barcelona are two great footballing institutions. Yet, they’ve enjoyed vastly different amounts of success, both domestically and on the European front.

Based in the north-east of England, Newcastle United is an iconic English club with a huge and loyal fan base. Prior to the Saudi takeover in 2021, the Magpies rarely featured in the UEFA Champions League. Newcastle fans haven’t had much to gloat about in recent years - they haven’t won a major trophy since beating Manchester City in the 1955 FA Cup final.

In 2021, Newcastle United’s financial health improved massively after Mike Ashley sold the club to a Saudi-led consortium. Eddie Howe came on board as manager and many excellent players were bought to improve the squad. Newcastle were quickly transformed from relegation candidates to Champions League material. They finished fourth in the 2022/23 season, securing Champions League football at St James’ Park for the first time in more than 20 years.

In contrast, FC Barcelona is a club synonymous with success. The Catalan giants are always battling for La Liga titles and have won the UEFA Champions League on five occasions, making them one of the most successful clubs in European football. Their last victory came in 2015, beating Juventus 3-1 in the final.

However, in recent years, Barcelona have failed to rediscover that winning formula that saw them win four UEFA Champions League titles in nine years. The days of Lionel Messi are behind them, and Barcelona are hoping to create a new recipe for success.

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Head to Head

Newcastle faced Barcelona in both their Champions League adventures at the turn of the century. The two clubs were drawn together in the group stage in 1997/98 and 2002/03.

September 17, 1997 marked their first meeting and what a night it was at St James’ Park. Colombian forward Faustino Asprilla scored a hat-trick in a memorable 3-2 victory against a Barcelona team that featured Rivaldo and Luis Figo. However, Barcelona’s 1-0 victory in the return fixture at the Camp Nou stadium saw Newcastle eliminated from the competition.

The Magpies failed to exact revenge when they met Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League in 2003. The Catalan giants beat Newcastle 3-1 in Barcelona and 2-0 at St James’ Park. Buy Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona tickets on SeatPick to secure your seat for their next encounter.

Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona Connections

Legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson is the only coach to have taken the reins at both Newcastle and Barcelona. He enjoyed one successful season in charge of Ronaldo at Barcelona, before finishing his managerial career at Newcastle United.

Dutch forward Patrick Kluivert wore the iconic shirts of both clubs. He earned a reputation as a lethal finisher during his six-year stay at Barcelona before moving to Newcastle United on a free transfer in the summer of 2004. Kluivert stayed for only one season at St James’ Park, scoring 13 goals.

In more recent years, Luuk De Jong enjoyed loan spells at both Newcastle (2014) and Barcelona (2021-22).