Newcastle United are back in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season and have eight exciting fixtures against top European teams.
After the chaotic transfer window, Eddie Howe and his players can now focus on getting wins after a slow start to the campaign.
Newcastle United are one of six Premier League teams represented in the Champions League this season, having benefited from UEFA’s coefficient rules after finishing fifth last term.
The Champions League draw took place last Thursday, where the Magpies were handed eight tasty games, with the first being a visit from La Liga giants Barcelona at St James’ Park.
Elsewhere, trips to PSG, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen and Union SG are in the offing, where Newcastle’s best players will get the chance to show off their quality on the biggest stage.
However, Newcastle have been given a stiff reality check by Opta, after new statistics came to light.
Newcastle United players line up before a Champions League game between Newcastle United and AC Milan.
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Newcastle United have one of the toughest Champions League fixture lists
The Magpies have been there and done that in the Champions League before, having been drawn against PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan during their last time in the competition. However, the new version of the Champions League is a completely different beast.
Teams must play eight games against eight separate teams from four pots. Newcastle were in the lowest pot due to their coefficient score, though it does not affect who they would play.
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According to Opta, Newcastle’s eight fixtures are amongst the toughest in the whole competition, with only four teams scoring higher than them. Newcastle’s fixture list received a difficulty score of 92.2/100, while it is believed Bayern Munich has the worst fixtures, as they scored 92.9/100.
How tough was each team's Champions League draw?
Who has the toughest fixtures? And whose games are the easiest?
🖥️ Thanks to the Opta Power Rankings, we have the answers⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0Ww52rksPD
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) August 29, 2025
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Newcastle’s fixtures are also the most difficult of any Premier League team by a good distance.
While the fixtures are incredibly tough, Newcastle will be confident of getting results, even as underdogs.
Newcastle will be going into the Champions League without Alexander Isak after his decision to leave the club this summer, but he will still be playing in Europe’s premier competition with Liverpool.
Newcastle United’s pre-season was a perfect test ahead of the Champions League season
Newcastle have not got off to the best of Premier League starts, with just two points on the board in their opening three games. However, many will argue that they have played well throughout, but have missed a top striker to finish big chances.
A big improvement will be needed if they want to be successful in the Champions League, but the hope is that one of Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa can perform now Isak is gone.
Newcastle’s pre-season was far from successful, with Howe’s side losing four of their six fixtures. Despite that, those games were an early test ahead of the Champions League campaign.
Eddie Howe on the #UCL draw:
"Yeah really interesting, some great games, exciting prospects. Very competitive matches, what an opportunity to enjoy more games in the Champions League. It will be tough and challenging but we look forward to it. Barcelona at home – an amazing… pic.twitter.com/U1o5n1RHbJ
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 29, 2025
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The Magpies put together friendlies against Celtic, Arsenal, Tottenham and Atletico Madrid; all four teams had either played in the Champions League already this season, or were present in the league phase draw last week.
While the results were far from ideal during pre-season, Newcastle have still learned a lot from the games they played.