TWENTY-SIX years ago, Luis Enrique was part of a Barcelona side that was involved in one of the greatest games in Newcastle United’s history. Enrique scored at St James’ Park, but a Tino Asprilla hat-trick meant his Barca side succumbed to a 3-2 defeat that is still celebrated on Tyneside today.

This evening, the Spaniard was back at St James’, looking ahead to Newcastle’s Champions League group game against Paris St Germain in his role as the head coach of the French side. Given that Newcastle have been absent from European football’s top table for more than two decades, his players might not know what to expect from a Champions League night on Tyneside. He, however, is aware of exactly what is coming.

“It was a tough game,” remembered Enrique. “A really tough game. Twenty-six years feels like a lifetime ago, I was certainly quite a lot younger back then.

“I scored, but it finished 3-2. They had some great players back then, and it was a really great atmosphere that was generated by the Newcastle fans. It wasn’t easy back then – and I don’t suppose it will be easy tomorrow either.”

While Paris St Germain are favourites to win their Champions League group, a position that strengthened when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in their opening group game, Enrique regards Newcastle as live contenders to make it to the knockout stage.

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“They are the team from pot four that no one wanted,” he said. “We know they play at a very high level. They are good in possession, and then off the ball, they play with a very high press. They’re almost a complete football team, really.

“Then, on top of that, they’re going to be playing in front of a very passionate support, and that is going to help them. We are coming to St James’ Park, and it is a hostile atmosphere, but hostile from a sporting point of view.

“It is a spectacular place to play, and it is going to be interesting to see how my players cope with playing at St James’ Park. I am envious of them because they get to experience it all first hand out on the pitch.”