Nyberg to referee Barcelona-Newcastle clash

Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg will officiate the Champions League group stage match between Newcastle and Barcelona at St. James' Park on Thursday, October 18th (21:00 CET).

Nyberg, a FIFA official since 2016, has never taken charge of a match involving either the Magpies or Barca. However, he was the referee for the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Spain in the Nations League quarter-final first leg on March 20th, and Real Madrid's 5-1 victory over Salzburg in the penultimate matchday of the previous Champions League campaign.

UEFA confirmed that the officiating team for Newcastle-Barcelona will be completed by France's Jerome Brisard as VAR, Swede Adam Ladeback as fourth official, alongside fellow Swedes Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Soderkvist as assistants, and Belgian Bram Van Driessche as assistant VAR.

Both Newcastle and Barcelona will be looking to get off to a flying start in the Champions League. It is the main objective for the 'Azulgranas', while the 'Magpies' return to the competition after a year's absence.