Newcastle face Barcelona tonight in a clash that carries huge significance for former goalkeeper Shay Given.

Given featured 463 times for Newcastle United and was part of some of the most successful Magpies squads of the modern era.

But when asked about his greatest memory at St James’ Park, his answer is straightforward – the 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona in the 1997/98 campaign.

Given had just arrived that summer from Blackburn Rovers as a 21-year-old, signed by Kenny Dalglish to battle with Shaka Hislop for the number one shirt.

He was selected to start and saw Tino Asprilla hit a famous hat-trick as Newcastle defeated the Spanish giants in style.

Now, 28 years later, Newcastle open their 2025/26 Champions League campaign against Barcelona once again, sparking a wave of nostalgia across Tyneside.

Given is no exception, and although he played the third-most games in club history, that night remains his standout memory from more than a decade at the club.

“It was unbelievable. The best atmosphere I ever experienced at St James’ Park,” Given, who will be a TNT Sports pundit on Thursday, told Chronicle Live.

“I was only four or five matches into my Newcastle career and very young, but hearing the Champions League anthem against Barcelona was surreal.

“Few expected us to win, which made it all the more memorable. The atmosphere was electric and completely unique.

“Kenny was very calm in the dressing room beforehand. He wanted us relaxed before such a huge game. Motivation was never an issue that night.

“Looking back, Newcastle’s return to the Champions League had built such excitement. Out of 463 matches, that was my most unforgettable.

“The FA Cup semi-finals were also highlights because we won them, but in Europe that Barcelona night is my greatest memory.”

Given also played under Sir Bobby Robson against Barcelona in the 2002/03 Champions League campaign.

Now it is Eddie Howe’s turn to guide his players into history against the Spanish champions, just as they did with their 4-1 victory over PSG two years ago.

Given worked as a pundit for that famous PSG win and hopes for another special night when Hansi Flick’s side arrive at St James’ Park on Thursday.

“There has always been a deep connection between Bobby and Barcelona,” Given said. “They remain one of the competition’s powerhouses, and Thursday will be the same.

“Like 28 years ago, they might expect an easy win, but I doubt it will be straightforward.

“The crowd will be massive, as they were back then. The noise was deafening, you couldn’t hear a teammate two yards away. It will be like that again.

“Covering PSG two years ago, the stadium was bouncing. For young fans it became a lasting memory.

“This is the start of a new Champions League journey and Newcastle will want to start with a win, even though it’s a tough match.”

Two years ago, Newcastle exited at the group stage after facing PSG, Dortmund – who reached the final – and AC Milan.

This season, the Champions League features a 36-team league phase with 24 sides advancing, and Given believes the new format benefits Newcastle.

“Their high intensity and the extra home fixture make it positive. I enjoyed last year – teams like Celtic had great home wins.

“Newcastle will be similar. Home form is crucial now. With the new format, every game matters, unlike before when the final group match was often meaningless. It will be dramatic until the end.”

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is doubtful after missing Sunday’s 6-0 win over Valencia. Considered the world’s brightest young star, his absence would disappoint Newcastle fans.

“You can view it both ways,” Given admitted.

“It would be great if he played. I recall Newcastle fans applauding Patrick Kluivert when he starred for Barcelona.

“The supporters want to see Barcelona at their strongest, not missing players, so from my perspective as a pundit and fan it’s exciting to watch them live.”

“He is an extraordinary talent, and Newcastle supporters will hope to see him on Thursday – and to watch him leave on the losing side.”