The UEFA Champions League is back under the floodlights, and this week brings one of the most eye-catching fixtures of the opening round: Newcastle United vs Barcelona. St. James’ Park has waited for nights like this, and the Magpies will make sure the atmosphere feels like a cauldron when the Blaugrana arrive.
Match Preview
For Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, this game isn’t just about points – it’s about proving they belong among Europe’s elite. Their Premier League form has been stop-start, but the squad has more depth than their last European adventure, and the crowd at St. James’ Park always gives them an extra gear.
Barcelona, meanwhile, comes into this clash fresh from a 6-0 demolition of Valencia in La Liga. Hansi Flick’s men are beginning to click after a slow start, but Europe is always the real test. Barcelona has the history and the quality, but they also have injuries that could make this a tougher trip than it looks on paper.
The contrast in styles will make this fascinating: Newcastle’s intensity, pressing, and physical edge against Barcelona’s technical precision, possession game, and deadly in corners and set pieces.
Latest Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has had to juggle his lineup in recent weeks. Yoane Wissa is sidelined with a knee problem, and Jacob Ramsey remains unavailable. The good news is that Anthony Gordon is back after suspension, giving Newcastle some much-needed spark in attack. Nick Woltemade, who scored the winner against Wolves last weekend, could keep his place as the central striker.
Barcelona
Hansi Flick doesn’t have a full squad to choose from. Young star Lamine Yamal misses out with a groin injury, Alejandro Balde is nursing a hamstring issue, and midfield dynamo Gavi is still recovering from his long-term knee injury. Marc-André ter Stegen is absent too, meaning Joan García should start in goal. There’s also a question mark over Frenkie de Jong, who faces a late fitness test.
Despite the setbacks, Barcelona’s squad is still stacked with firepower – Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Raphinha, and new arrival Marcus Rashford all bring different threats.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona – Confirmed Lineups
| Newcastle United (4-3-3) | Barcelona (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| GK: N. Pope | GK: J. García |
| RB: K. Trippier | RB: J. Koundé |
| CB: F. Schär | CB: R. Araújo |
| CB: D. Burn | CB: P. Cubarsí |
| LB: V. Livramento | LB: G. Martín |
| CM: B. Guimarães | CM: F. de Jong |
| CM: S. Tonali | CM: Pedri |
| CM: Joelinton | RW: Raphinha |
| RW: A. Elanga | CAM: F. López |
| CF: H. Barnes | LW: M. Rashford |
| LW: A. Gordon | ST: R. Lewandowski |
Tactical Battle
This is where the tie could be decided:
Midfield intensity – Newcastle’s trio of Bruno, Tonali, and Joelinton will try to disrupt Barça’s rhythm, pressing high and forcing mistakes. If Pedri and Marc Casado can control the tempo, Barcelona will dictate the game.
Wings and pace – Gordon and Barnes will look to test Barcelona’s young full-backs, while Raphinha and Rashford carry the responsibility of stretching Newcastle’s full-backs.
Set-pieces – With Burn, Schär, Joelinton, and N. Woltemade, Newcastle have aerial power. Barcelona must defend corners and free-kicks with discipline.
Goalkeepers – Nick Pope is reliable in big games, while Joan García faces the pressure of replacing ter Stegen on a Champions League night.
Newcastle vs Barcelona: Kick-Off Time & Where to Watch
The UEFA Champions League clash between Newcastle United and Barcelona takes place at St. James’ Park on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The game kicks off at 8:00 PM BST (local time in the UK).
Global Kick-Off Times
UK (BST): 8:00 PM
Central Europe (CEST): 9:00 PM
India (IST): 12:30 AM (Friday, September 19)
USA (ET): 3:00 PM
USA (PT): 12:00 PM
Australia (AEST): 5:00 AM (Friday, September 19)
Spain (CEST): 9:00 PM
Where to Watch Live
Fans worldwide can watch the game live through official broadcast partners:
United Kingdom & Ireland: TNT Sports (TV) / Discovery+ (stream)
United States: TUDN (TV) / Paramount+ (stream)
India: Sony Sports Network (TV) / SonyLIV (stream)
Australia: Stan Sport (stream)
Spain: Movistar Plus+ (TV & stream)
Prediction
Barcelona are favourites on paper, but St. James’ Park under the lights is no ordinary away day. If Newcastle start aggressively and feed off the crowd, they can make this uncomfortable for the visitors. That said, Barça’s attacking quality is hard to ignore – Lewandowski, Rashford, and Raphinha can punish any lapse.
Predicted Score: Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona – a tight game, with Barcelona just edging it thanks to their clinical finishing.
Why This Game Matters
Newcastle are out to prove their Champions League return isn’t just a cameo.
Barcelona want to show they’re still contenders despite injury setbacks.
The clash brings together two passionate fan bases and very different football philosophies.
For fans across the globe searching for “Newcastle vs Barcelona Champions League 2025 preview, team news, and predicted lineups”, this game has everything: history, drama, tactical battles, and a crowd that could influence the outcome.
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