Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Newcastle United v FC Barcelona - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 18, 2025 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Newcastle United suffered defeat in their first Champions League group-stage game at St James’ Park, losing 2-1 to Barcelona.
The Magpies kicked off their European campaign against one of their toughest opponents, with Eddie Howe’s side greeted by a raucous black-and-white crowd that created an atmosphere capable of unsettling Europe’s elite.
Newcastle looked the stronger side in the first half, dominating the opening 30 minutes and creating the better chances.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both went close, but without a recognised striker on the pitch, the opportunities went begging on more than one occasion.
In the second half, Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford struck twice with clinical finishes to put the visitors in the lead and earn the Player of the Match award.
Gordon eventually pulled one back in the 90th minute, but it came too late for Newcastle to find an equaliser.
After the match, supporters were left questioning Howe’s decision to leave new signing Nick Woltemade out of the starting eleven.
The German striker – hailed “clever” by Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams – had scored the winning goal in Newcastle’s first Premier League win of the season against Wolves just days earlier, and many expected him to lead the line against Barcelona.
Howe explained his reasoning in the post-match press conference:
“It was a really difficult one for Nick. Of course, any player would want to start every game, but I have to try to manage him into the team and make sure he stays fit.
“That was always at the heart of this decision, especially knowing that we have Anthony suspended for the next game as well.”
Speaking again ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth, the Newcastle boss offered more insight into Woltemade’s situation:
“We’re going to have to look after Nick. It’s hard enough for him to come into a new league – you could see the physical effects he felt with Wolves and then the quick turnaround here.”
“There’s no guarantee that even by managing him he’ll stay fit, but we want to give him the best chance to adapt.”
“He’s made a very good start, and he did well when he came on [against Barcelona]. He was involved in the goal, so hopefully he’s in a good place.”
Will Woltemade Start Against Bournemouth?
With Gordon serving the final game of his domestic suspension against the Cherries, it seems likely that Woltemade will start on Sunday.
Newcastle are entering a new era in their centre-forward role after selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a whopping £130m.
The club signed former Brentford striker Yoane Wissa for £55m on Deadline Day, but the new arrival suffered a knee injury on international duty before making his debut.
Another option is William Osula, though he has yet to establish himself as a consistent starter under Howe and did not feature against Barcelona.
Taking all this into account, Woltemade looks the most realistic choice to lead the line on the south coast on Sunday afternoon.
With Newcastle eager to collect three points away from home, Howe may have little alternative but to trust his new striker from the start.
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