Barcelona tie what football is all about!

AH, Barcelona. What romance, what joy the city conjures up in the mind ofus all.

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Gaudi and the cathedral, a unique combination of awe and originality, and the football. Oh yes, the football.

Bobby Robson and Tino Asprilla Champions League, Newcastle 3 Barca 2. They are soccer royalty. A club of superstars. Glam and grace in unbridled abundance.

Now the latest Catalan giants are coming to visit just as they did when Tino, superbly supported by Keith Gillespie, gave us one of our finest Champions League memories exactly 28 years ago.

Incredibly it was September 17, 1997 when United rose to the heights. September 18, 2025 when we go again.

Many legendary global superstars have graced St James’ Park down rolling years in an assortment of games. The golden thread runs from Puskas, Eusebio and Gunnar Nordahl through Yashin, Sandor Kocsis, Zidane, Stoichkov, Hagi, Figo, Rivaldo, Xavi, and Iniesta to Neymar and Mbappe.

Be it against the Mighty Mags in European combat, international matches, or merely testimonials like Puskas who honoured Wor Jackie with his presence they have come and performed for an admiring audience.

Come Thursday evening another could be unveiled before the gaze of the Geordie public. Barcelona wonder kid Lamine Yamal is exceptional, destined to rule the world, and destined for the north bank of the Tyne should he shake off a worrying groin injury aggravated while on international duty. Groins are always a case for genuine concern and so all is not clear.