Manager Kenny Dalglish had made the unpopular decision to offload David Ginola and Les Ferdinand to Spurs at the start of the season. The weekend that Ferdinand left, Alan Shearer fractured his fibula and ruptured ligaments, rendering Dalglish's transfer dealings even more unpopular. Pretty much all that was left up front was Faustino Asprilla, a temperamental soul who had stubbornly refused to light up the Premiership.

After an unbeaten start to their Premiership campaign, United were soundly beaten Wimbledon four days before this match and the Toon hordes prepared themselves for a football lesson from a Spanish side featuring the talents of Luis Figo and Rivaldo.

What they didn't expect was what transpired.

In the 22nd minute, Asprilla picked up Jon Dahl Tomasson's pass, burst into the box and was hauled down by Barca keeper Ruud Hesp. Asprilla stood up to slot home the resultant penalty.

Being the Newcastle team of that era, the home side weren't about to shut up shop and hold out for the narrow win. Keith Gillespie was tormenting Barcelona's Sergi on the right and after half an hour, he whipped in a cross that Asprilla met perfectly to score his second.

Barcelona were stunned, even more so when, three minutes into the second half, Gillespie repeated the trick, delivering an inch-perfect cross from the right.

Asprilla rose and remained in the air for what seemed like an age before powering a header past Hesp before Barcelona's defenders could even move.

As was/is their wont, Newcastle managed to concede two before the end but the final whistle blew moments after Figo had scored Barcelona's second.

With that, Asprilla's place in Geordie folklore was assured.

After such an incredible start Newcastle lamentably failed to build on it, failing to qualify for the second round of the Champions League. An uninspired domestic season ended with a meek surrender in the FA Cup final. Blamed for dismantling the entertaining side of the mid '90s, Dalglish was shown the door in August 1998.

Asprilla had already gone by then. The goals he scored against Barcelona were his last for the club as he returned to Italy the following January.

SEE QUIZ PANEL, LEFT