Newcastle United Faces PSG, Barcelona, Seven Others in 2025 Champions League League Phase

Newcastle United has secured a spot in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, competing under the new 36-team league phase format where each club plays eight matches against different opponents. Managed by Eddie Howe, this is the club's second consecutive Champions League campaign, following their 2023/24 debut where they did not advance past the group stage. Newcastle was placed in pot four due to their low UEFA coefficient, a result of limited European competition experience over the past five years, and will face a challenging schedule including fixtures against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Marseille, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Club, and Union Saint-Gilloise. The format allows the top eight teams in the league phase to qualify directly for the knockout stage, with those ranked 9th to 24th entering playoffs, giving Newcastle a clear path to progress if they perform well. Despite missing some transfer targets and uncertainty over player Alexander Isak, the club is eager to improve its UEFA ranking and achieve historic success by advancing beyond the group stages for the first time. The Champions League matches will feature a balanced home and away schedule, promising exciting European nights at St. James' Park for the Toon Army.