Excitement builds for Newcastle v Barcelona

Faustino Asprilla scored a hat trick the first time Newcastle faced Barcelona in 1997

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.

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 Gibbons, 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 Gibbons 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."

Sir Bobby Robson managed both Newcastle and Barcelona

The late Sir Bobby joined Barcelona as manager in 1996 and led Barcelona 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.

Sir Bobby's son Mark will be at St James' Park to see two of his father's former clubs meet once again.

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

"He would love it."

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