‘He radiated presence’ - the legend of Asprilla

Keith Gillespie believed he was going for a meal.

However, his inner circle organized something else entirely—a secret gathering earlier this year.

A VIP made the journey all the way from Colombia to attend.

“As the doors swung open, my initial sight was the Colombian star,” Gillespie mentioned. “There he was expecting my arrival. It was quite surreal because he's somebody you don't expect to see in such a setting.”

“It was a wonderful shock,” he added. “It meant a lot for him to travel so far just for one night.”

It is now approaching a generation since both players caused chaos for Newcastle against the mighty Barcelona.

However, true connections clearly, stand the test of time.

“There was immediate chemistry,” Gillespie noted.

Now, as Newcastle prepare to face the Catalan giants another time, Asprilla will be observing from the stands at St James' Park this week.

‘There was a fire in his eyes’

In truth, the whole team clicked during that autumn evening.

It may have been the initial appearance in the Champions League proper, though veteran Albert believed “the odds were against us since the Catalans were expected to win.”

Given himself, guarding the net, mentioned how the opposition “expected an easy win to defeat us.”

That wasn’t the outcome amid a passionate crowd.

“It was unlike any such roaring support,” the keeper expressed. “Unbelievable.”

Yet it was not exactly guaranteed that Tino would even feature – and certainly not bag a treble in his side's 3-2 victory.

Gillespie recalled how Asprilla “was delayed after representing his country earlier that week prompting rumors he might not be playing.”

But manager Kenny lacked multiple choices for the forward line.

The star striker was out because of a fitness problem and Ferdinand had been sold to Spurs recently.

No wonder, former right-back Warren stated “Dalglish opting for a chance.”

It wasn’t the perfect preparation ahead of a crucial fixture, yet Warren felt Tino seemed “focused” that night.

“Asprilla tended to be very quiet before the games,” he noted. “But he just had a special energy an intense expression. It was his moment.”

It did not take the striker left his mark, the striker winning a penalty and scoring with the penalty in the first half.

It was quickly apparent that he was in the mood.

“Frequently it was evident after two or three minutes what Tino you were going to get,” Gillespie said. “Sometimes he could be terrible, yet he excelled most of the time.”

Gillespie and Asprilla combine

It was not just Asprilla who had a career-defining display.

Gillespie openly stated to admit he was a "little bit in awe" observing the rivals ahead of kickoff and noticed the Catalan legends waiting.

However, Gillespie had little knowledge of his marker, regarded as a elite full-back back then.

The winger sought to examine his opponent to gauge his speed.

When he confirmed he had the beating of Sergi, he repeatedly demanded the ball on the flank.

Without elaborate moves, he used a body fake as he was confident he was going to get there first” and sent in the ball toward the area.

Tino finished it.

He didn’t just score once the advantage with a bullet header, he secured a hat-trick with a near-identical goal to leave Newcastle owner Sir John Hall speechless.

“Asprilla was phenomenal on that evening,” the owner recalled. “You could see him levitate upon receiving the ball - and score!”

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

It is still one of the most famous results in their storied past.

Perhaps, it was appropriate that Asprilla never scored more strikes before re-joining Parma shortly after.

What more could he do?

Warren described it as the Colombian's "pinnacle".

The balance shifts

These were the nights Asprilla came alive.

There was a sense a coincidence his goal tally as many goals (nine) in UEFA competitions versus domestic outings.

His first appearance was one to remember following his £6.7m move from Serie A.

Tino was not scheduled to play immediately after landing in the snow dressed unusually a few days previously.

He even helped himself to a glass of red wine ahead of kickoff versus Boro.

Yet the coach, then in charge, felt moved to bring on the new arrival observing Newcastle fall behind on the road.

Tino then assisted Watson’s strike and his tricky movement helped turn the game on its head as the league leaders ran out 2-1 winners.

“Upon his introduction, he transformed the game,” Albert noted. “Exceptional talents are capable of this.”

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