Excitement builds for Newcastle v Barcelona

Newcastle and Barcelona are connected by former manager Sir Bobby Robson

Excitement is building ahead of Newcastle United's Champions League opener against Barcelona.

Twenty-eight years and one day since their first meeting in 1997, the match-up is a special one on Tyneside with the clubs connected by former manager Sir Bobby Robson.

As the city prepares for the Magpies' return to Europe, fans and businesses said the impact on the city will be considerable and arriving Barcelona fans said they are looking forward to spending time in a city "that breathes football".

Gary Oliver, fan and manager of the Back Page fan memorabilia shop, said: "I think a successful Newcastle United is a winning formula for everyone connected with the city."

It is the fifth competitive meeting between the two sides, with the Magpies winning the first clash 3-2 in September 1997 through a hat trick from Faustino Asprilla.

Newcastle went on to lose the next three, but this time fans are feeling optimistic.

Gary Oliver said he is feeling "very confident" ahead of kick off

Ahead of kick off, Mr Oliver said: "I really fancy Newcastle to win.

"You know Barcelona have beaten us here before in the Champions League, but of course there was always the famous game in '97.

"The memories of that night for everyone who was there will always live on, so we're hoping that playing Barcelona in the same week is going to be a good omen.

"But yes, hoping and confident for a Newcastle win."

And that feeling is reciprocated by fans further afield.

Paul Gibbins, a lifelong Newcastle fan who lives in Barcelona and runs a supporters' group, said he did not think he would get too much stick when watching the game in the Spanish city.

"I think there's still a bit of goodwill left over from Sir Bobby," Mr Gibbins said.

"I can't imagine they're particularly feeling too nervous, but I think there's a few of them that definitely have a bit of respect and sort of good feeling towards the club, particularly those of an older generation."

He added: "I'm Newcastle all the way."

Newcastle restaurant manager and Real Madrid fan Natasha Cham said she was "very excited"

Newer arrivals to the city are feeling the anticipation as well.

Natasha Cham, 26, manager of restaurant El Torero in the city centre, said the Spanish community in Newcastle was "very excited" for the match.

Despite being from Madrid and supporting Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid, Ms Cham said they "love getting Spanish visitors".

"Even so I'm so happy there's a Spanish team in Newcastle and that people are interested in learning about Spain because of it."

Arriving Barcelona fans said they are excited to be in a city that "breathes football"

BBC Look North managed to grab some Barcelona fans as they touched down at Newcastle Airport earlier.

"This is the first time I come with my friends to St James' Park so we are very confident for tonight," one fan, Edgar, said.

"We heard that there's a very good atmosphere there, so we are very happy to come here and see the atmosphere."

Another fan, Mark, said this was his sixth time at St James' Park.

"It's the best atmosphere in the world.

"And around the city because the city breathes football and that's amazing."

Stephen Patterson, chief executive of the business improvement district NE1, said the return of Champions League games can give needed assistance to the local economy.

"Businesses are struggling," he said. "These four home matches are really important to the city.

"Each home match brings in in the region of £6m, so we're looking in the region of £20m plus net imported financial gain to the city over these four matches."

Sir Bobby Robson managed both Newcastle and Barcelona

On a more personal note, Sir Bobby Robson's son Mark will be at St James' Park to see two of his father's former clubs meet once again.

The late Sir Bobby joined Barcelona as manager in 1996 and led them to the Cup Winners' Cup, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.

He later went on to manage Newcastle, his boyhood club, and took the Magpies from the relegation zone to Europe's top table.

"I wish Dad was alive to be there," Mark Robson told BBC Sport.

"He would love it."

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