‘He just had an aura’ - the cult of Asprilla
Gillespie thought his destination was to a restaurant.
But those nearest to him organized something else entirely—a secret gathering a few months back.
An honored attendee traveled from South America to attend.
“The doors opened, the first person I saw Tino Asprilla,” the winger stated. “He stood waiting waiting on me. It felt unbelievable since he is a figure you wouldn’t anticipate meeting in Bangor Golf Club.”
“It was a lovely surprise,” he continued. “It meant a lot that someone would actually make that effort just for one night.”
It is now approaching three decades since both players delivered a masterclass for Newcastle against the mighty Barcelona.
Yet certain bonds remain unbroken.
“We clicked that night,” he reflected.
Now, as Newcastle prepare to take on Barcelona another time, Tino is expected to be observing from the stands in Newcastle during the match.
‘Tino had a look in his eye’
In truth, every player connected on that historic night.
Despite being the initial appearance at that elite level, though veteran Philippe Albert felt “the odds were against us as Barça were heavily favored.”
Given himself, between the posts that evening, noted that the Catalan giants “believed victory was assured and they would beat us.”
That did not prove to be the case amid a passionate crowd.
“I’d never experienced such an intense environment,” the keeper expressed. “Unbelievable.”
However, it wasn’t certain that the hero Asprilla would take part – much less net three in that triumph.
The winger reflected how the Colombian “arrived late from international duty earlier that week so there was talk his participation was doubtful.”
Though the gaffer Kenny was short on multiple choices up front.
The star striker was out because of a fitness problem with Les departed for London recently.
No wonder, former right-back Barton recalled “Dalglish opting for the benefit of the doubt.”
It was hardly an optimal situation ahead of a crucial fixture, but Barton could sense Asprilla was “focused” on the evening.
“Asprilla tended to be silent ahead of kickoff,” he noted. “However, there was a magnetic presence an intense expression. It was his moment.”
It did not take Tino influenced the game, earning a foul in the box to give his team the lead from the spot in the first half.
It soon became clear that he was in the mood.
“Frequently you could tell within moments which version of Tino would appear,” Gillespie explained. “On occasion, he struggled, but he was outstanding most of the time.”
Gillespie and Asprilla combine
Not only the Colombian who delivered the game of his life.
Gillespie openly stated to admit he was a "little bit in awe" as he looked across the tunnel ahead of kickoff and noticed the Catalan legends waiting.
However, Gillespie was unfamiliar with Sergi, regarded as among the top defenders in Europe at the time.
The winger sought to examine his opponent to gauge his speed.
And once the winger knew he could outperform him, he insisted on the ball on the flank.
Instead of using skills, he feinted as he was confident he’d reach the ball earlier” and delivered a cross into the box.
Asprilla did the rest.
In addition to netting the lead with a bullet header, he secured a hat-trick with a similar effort which stunned the chairman speechless.
“Asprilla was phenomenal during the match,” Sir John said. “Observers noticed levitate as the cross arrived - and finish!”
The visitors scored twice, via their stars, yet the Magpies resisted. Narrowly.
It remains one of the most famous results for Newcastle.
Perhaps, it was appropriate that he failed to add again for Newcastle before leaving a few months later.
Could it be topped?
Warren described it as the Colombian's "pinnacle".
The balance shifts
These were the nights the striker excelled.
There was a sense a coincidence his goal tally nine times for Newcastle in 11 European games versus domestic outings.
However, his league bow was one to remember following his £6.7m move from Italy.
He was not scheduled to play immediately after landing in winter conditions dressed unusually just days before.
He consumed some wine before the game versus Boro.
Yet the coach, leading the team, opted to bring on the new arrival seeing the team concede first on the road.
Asprilla duly set up Watson’s strike and the maverick's rubber legs swung the momentum as the league leaders ran out 2-1 winners.
“Once he entered, he transformed the game,” the defender stated. “Exceptional talents achieve such feats.”
{It gave Keegan food for thought|It made Keegan reconsider|
