Newcastle United: Top five European matches in club history

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 17: Newcastle United line up before their UEFA Champions League Group C match against FC Barcelona at St James’ Park on September 17, 1997 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, back row left to righ, Shay Given, Steve Watson, Jon Dahl Tomasson, John Barnes, Keith Gillespie, Phillipe Albert front row, Faustino Asprilla, Warren Barton, Robert Lee, David Batty and John Beresford, United won the match 3-2 with a Tino Asprilla hat-trick. (Photo by Stu Forster/Allsport/Getty Images) /

1997-98 UEFA Champions League group stage (Newcastle United 3 – FC Barcelona 2)

“The Entertainers” were a team unlike any other for Newcastle United, and brought many incredible results during their time together. But by the start of the 1997-98 season, things were different at St. James’ Park.

Kenny Dalglish was appointed as manager after the departure of Kevin Keegan. Key players were looking elsewhere, but a visit from Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League group stage provided a memory that will last a lifetime.

Faustino Asprilla was the hat-trick hero on the evening, in a mesmerising 3-2 victory against the Blaugrana.

Fans that were at St. James’ Park that night will tell you of magic in the air, and the effort that was given by Newcastle’s squad was evident of that feeling.

An opposing line-up boasting the likes of Luis Figo and Rivaldo were overwhelmed, with the Magpies leading 3-0 in the second half.

Two late goals from the visitors produced drama and nervous energy, but it was a victory that sent a message to Europe. Newcastle United were not going to be pushed around, and it would not be easy for any opposing side to earn a point in the North East.

Even now it can seem surreal, but Newcastle defeating Barcelona is a sight that fans will always treasure.

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