Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona secured a 2:1 victory against Newcastle in the first round of the Champions League main phase at St. James’ Park
- Marcus Rashford scored his first two official goals for Barça in the 58th and 67th minutes last night
- Anthony Gordon netted a late consolation for Newcastle in the 90th minute
Match Analysis: Tactical Set-ups and Key Events
Barcelona commenced their latest Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2:1 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, demonstrating their European credentials despite the absence of Lamine Yamal. Under the guidance of Hansi Flick, Barça overcame a spirited Newcastle side and navigated a testing atmosphere thanks to Marcus Rashford’s timely double.
Newcastle entered the fixture bolstered by a 1:0 victory over Wolverhampton at the weekend, yet were coming off three Premier League games without a win. Eddie Howe opted for an attacking trio of Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes. Jacob Murphy and Nick Woltemade began on the bench, while the hosts’ midfield pivot featured Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimarães. The defence—Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Schär, and Antonio Livramento—provided protection for Nick Pope between the sticks.
Job done in Newcastle ✅ pic.twitter.com/RoLybYXJOn
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 18, 2025
Barcelona, fresh off a 6:0 triumph over Valencia, anticipated a considerably sterner challenge in Tyneside. Flick introduced four changes, slotting Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski into the starting XI, replacing Eric García, Marc Casadó, Roony Bardghji, and Ferran Torres. Rashford operated from the left, with Fermín López just behind Lewandowski. Pedri and de Jong marshalled the centre of midfield, ahead of a back line containing Jules Koundé, Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, and Gerard Martín in front of Joan García.
First Half: High Intensity but No Breakthrough
The home side commenced with intensity, fuelled by vociferous crowd support and immediate attacking intent. In the 5th minute, Elanga did well down the right, teeing up Gordon who was unable to connect decisively. Rashford soon tested the hosts’ rearguard but produced a disappointing finish.
After settling under initial Newcastle pressure, Barcelona began dictating the play. A sequence in the 18th minute saw Pope clash with Lewandowski following a dangerous cross and Koundé’s subsequent attempt flew well over. Newcastle then broke swiftly through Elanga, who set up Barnes, but Joan García denied the attack.
Elanga’s persistent threat on the right troubled Gerard Martín, while Rashford found his duel with Trippier difficult. Barcelona asserted control late in the half, carving out several blocked opportunities before Raphinha’s 40th-minute free kick missed the target. Newcastle responded with a flurry of possession, but could not threaten García’s goal decisively. Gerard Martín was booked for a foul on Guimarães, followed by a yellow card for Dan Burn after a rough challenge on Koundé.
Second Half: Rashford Makes the Difference
Joelinton squandered an early opportunity immediately after the break. Newcastle’s subsequent attacks forced Barça into defensive action, but the deadlock was broken in the 58th minute. Koundé supplied a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Rashford to head home his first goal for Barcelona in official competition.
Rashford soon doubled his tally. With 67 minutes gone, he weaved through Newcastle’s back line and found the net for his second, putting the visitors in a commanding position. In response to the deficit, Howe made four substitutions, introducing Nick Woltemade, Joseph Willock, Jacob Murphy, and Malick Thiaw.
Barcelona then nearly put the score beyond doubt, as Raphinha fired just wide. Flick freshened his side with Andreas Christensen and Ferran Torres replacing Cubarsí and Lewandowski, while Rashford continued to threaten on the left flank.
Bruno Guimarães attempted to reduce the deficit in the 74th minute, but García was untroubled. Eric García and Dani Olmo came on for Barcelona in the closing stages, reflecting Flick’s intention to manage proceedings. In the 90th minute, however, Newcastle found a glimmer of hope as Gordon converted from Murphy’s assist.
Closing Moments and Match Data
Referee Glenn Nyberg allotted seven minutes of stoppage time. Despite Newcastle’s late push, Barcelona retained composure and managed game tempo, denying the hosts any further clear chances. In the 95th minute, Pope made a strong save from Dani Olmo following Raphinha’s driving run, ensuring the encounter ended 2:1 in favour of the visitors.
This result maintained Barcelona’s position as tournament favourites and extended Newcastle’s wait for a second win over the Catalan side, their only success coming in 1997. Notably, Colombian icon Faustino Asprilla, who led the Magpies to that historic win with a hat trick, was present in the stands as a special guest.
| Competition | Venue | Final Score | Barcelona Goals | Newcastle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League (Group Stage, Round 1) | St. James’ Park | 2:1 | Marcus Rashford (58′, 67′) | Anthony Gordon (90′) |
Historical Context
Reflecting on previous meetings, Barcelona last faced Newcastle in 2003, recording a 2:0 victory in the Champions League. Newcastle’s singular triumph over the Spanish side came in 1997, courtesy of Asprilla’s memorable treble. The latest contest adds a new chapter to their European rivalry, with Barcelona taking the first step toward knockout stage qualification in the new campaign.
