Newcastle vs Barcelona:  Latest teams updates ahead of UEFA Champions League 2026 opener

The UEFA Champions League will be kicking off tomorrow, where Newcastle vs Barcelona will face off as the first clash of the league.

Newcastle United prepare to host Barcelona at St James’ Park for this game, taking on them for the second time. The hosts’ team will seek to overturn their 2-1 defeat from Matchday 1, as Newcastle take on Barcelona.

The host team are now arriving off, after gaining a thrilling triumph over Qarabag, in the Champions League Playoffs, boosted by Gordon’s four-goal haul in the first leg.

Rashford and Fermin Lopez, each with five goals in the league phase, will look to maintain their momentum into Europe’s knockout rounds.

The time has come. pic.twitter.com/ToZYTj4YPS

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 10, 2026

In European competition, St James’ Park has remained a fortress for Eddie Howe’s side since the September loss to Barcelona, and Newcastle will aim to seize control early.

The host team believe, as their coach says, a strong start is essential against a team riding a four-game winning streak, with Rashford’s opener from the previous clash still fresh in fans’ minds.

Howe said, “[It’s the biggest game in our] recent history,” adding that for him it is, and that is the mentality for which they need to prepare. Rising to the occasion and embracing the size of the game has helped us, he added.

“The underdog role has helped us when the odds are stacked against us, and we need to use every psychological tool we can.”

So, Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick has also expressed ahead of their taking-on against the New Castle, emphasising Newcastle’s pressing and pace despite the fact they are on a four-game winning run. In fact, the Spanish side has won all but three of their 17 games in 2026.

Flick cautioned, “Newcastle play well, they press one on one, they’re quick in attack,” adding, “We have to defend very well with pride and courage. Both games count. We saw that against Atletico [in the Copa del Rey].”

“We’ve talked about and analysed that match very honestly. We didn’t defend as a team and as we wanted to. We’ve worked on our defending because it’s crucial in the Champions League.”

Kick-off is officially scheduled for 20:00 local time (GMT) at St James Park in North-East England for the Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday, March 10.