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The former winger assumed his destination was to a restaurant.

Only his closest friends and family organized something else entirely—a surprise 50th birthday party earlier this year.

And a special guest flew in from South America to attend.

“When the entrance parted, immediately visible was Tino Asprilla,” the winger stated. “He was standing there expecting my arrival. It felt unbelievable since he is a figure one rarely encounters in such a setting.”

“It was a lovely surprise,” he added. “It meant a lot that he’d go to such lengths to fly in for an evening.”

It is now approaching a generation since the pair delivered a masterclass with the Magpies versus the Catalan giants.

Yet certain bonds clearly, stand the test of time.

“There was immediate chemistry,” Gillespie noted.

Now, as Newcastle prepare to meet Barça another time, Asprilla will be observing from the stands on home turf during the match.

‘Asprilla possessed a certain gaze’

Really, every player connected on that historic night.

Despite being the initial appearance at that elite level, but former defender the Belgian stated “there was no pressure as Barça were heavily favored.”

Given himself, guarding the net, suggested that Barcelona “believed victory was assured to secure the result.”

However, that wasn’t what happened amid a passionate crowd.

“I’d never experienced such roaring support,” Given recalled. “Incredible.”

However, it wasn’t certain that match-winner Asprilla would even feature – much less net three in that triumph.

Gillespie remembered that Tino “came back tardily from international duty the previous weekend which led to speculation his participation was doubtful.”

But manager Kenny lacked many alternatives for the forward line.

The star striker was out with a serious ankle injury while Les Ferdinand had been sold to Spurs just a couple of months previously.

Understandably, ex-defender Warren stated “Kenny giving Tino a chance.”

It was hardly an optimal situation for a match of this magnitude, yet Warren felt his team-mate was “in the zone” during the match.

“He was typically reserved pre-match,” he said. “However, there was a special energy a determined gaze. This was his stage.”

Soon Tino influenced the game, earning a penalty to give his team the lead from the spot during the opening period.

It soon became clear that he was in the mood.

“A lot of times you could tell early on how he would perform,” Gillespie said. “He had off days, but he was outstanding frequently.”

Asprilla and Gillespie link up

Not only Asprilla who had a career-defining display.

The winger admitted to acknowledge being impressed as he looked across the tunnel before the game spotting Rivaldo, Luis Figo, Luis Enrique and Ivan de la Pena staring ahead.

But the Northern Irishman had little knowledge of his marker, who was rated as a elite full-back during that era.

The winger sought to examine his opponent to test his pace.

And once the winger knew he was faster, he insisted on the ball out on the right.

Instead of using skills, he feinted since he believed he could beat his man” and sent in the ball into the penalty box.

Tino finished it.

In addition to netting his side's lead via a powerful header, he made it 3-0 with a near-identical goal amazing the club’s owner astonished.

“Asprilla was phenomenal on that evening,” Sir John said. “It was visible hang in the air upon receiving the ball - and bang!”

Barça reduced the deficit, from Enrique and Figo, but Newcastle held on. Just.

It is still among the greatest victories in the club's history.

In some ways, it made sense that Tino didn’t net again for Newcastle before leaving not long after.

Could it be topped?

Barton labeled it his finest hour.

A tactical change

Those matches Asprilla came alive.

There was a sense random his goal tally as many goals (nine) for Newcastle in 11 European games versus domestic outings.

However, his league bow was one to remember after his transfer from Serie A.

The new signing was not scheduled to play shortly after arriving amid snowfall dressed unusually recently.

He consumed some wine ahead of kickoff versus Boro.

But Kevin Keegan, leading the team, opted to introduce the new arrival observing Newcastle concede first on the road.

Asprilla duly set up Watson’s strike and his tricky movement changed the match as the league leaders emerged victorious.

“Once he entered, he transformed the game,” the defender stated. “Only the great players can do something like this.”

{It gave Keegan food for thought|It made Keegan reconsider|