Must watch - Tino Asprilla sends emotional battle cry before Newcastle United vs Barcelona
Watch a video below of Tino Asprilla rallying the Newcastle United troops ahead of Barcelona tonight.
Newcastle United cult hero Tino Asprilla has urged Eddie Howe’s troops to “get into them” at St James’ Park tonight.
In a defiant battle cry ahead of Barcelona’s visit, the Colombian spoke about his pride of wearing the black-and-white stripes. Asprilla became a hit with supporters for his erratic personality in the late 1990s.
While his league form was inconsistent, European competition became his playground, with nine goals in 11 games. The crowning moment came when he fired a stunning hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Barcelona - a clash that took place 28 years ago yesterday.
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Tino Asprilla battle cry
Rallying the Magpies before tonight’s game, Asprilla - a guest of honour for the fixture - highlighted how “giants fall” when Newcastle fans believe. He told the club’s media team: “I’ve lived many nights in football. But there are moments you never forget.
“I remember what it feels like to play in this shirt, to feel that energy lift me higher and higher. This club, every stone, every seat, is built on belief. And the people here, they don’t just watch football, they feel it.
“They live it. They breathe it. I’ve seen giants fall beneath the weight of that belief. The names may change, the shirts may change, but the flame never dies. This is Newcastle United. Get into them.”
❝They feel it. They live it. They breathe it.❞ - Tino Asprilla
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 18, 2025
Barcelona '97. Tonight, it's our moment again. ✨ pic.twitter.com/VOeXVt01CS
Eddie Howe on Barcelona fixture
Howe referenced Sir Bobby Robson - another direct link between the clubs - to reporters once the draw was made. He said: "Yeah, really interesting, some great games, exciting prospects. Very competitive matches, what an opportunity to enjoy more games in the Champions League.
“It will be tough and challenging but we look forward to it. Barcelona at home - an amazing fixture for us, you get instantly drawn to that with the links with Sir Bobby Robson and the history of the club."
Hansi Flick expecting tough challenge
Speaking to the press at St James’ Park yesterday, Barca boss Hansi Flick said: "I expect a really strong team, a tall team with high intensity, dynamic and who win a lot of second balls.
"Vertically, they play really good. It is a team that has built over the last years. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job."