Newcastle and Manchester City are both in Champions League action this week, taking on Barcelona and Napoli respectively - but why are they being played on a Thursday night?
Erling Haland of Manchester City celebrates his first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Manchester City will return to the Champions League this week(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The Champions League has returned with a bang this week, with a host of Premier League sides in action across Europe. However, Newcastle and Manchester City fans may be questioning why their games aren't being played in the typical Tuesday and Wednesday evening slots, but are instead taking up a slot on Thursday.
Thursday nights are usually Europa League nights for the avid football fan, but a new European format was rolled out from last season that means that some games will now be scheduled for this day instead. This means that no other UEFA competition fixtures - including Europa and Conference League - will be scheduled.
There is only one Champions League exclusive week per season, and matchday one has been the week selected for this campaign, spread across September 16, 17 and 18. So, City and Newcastle fans can rest easy knowing their Thursday evenings will be free for the rest of the league phase.
Pep Guardiola's side will take on Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, while Barcelona will visit St James Park to hear the Magpies sing. Both matches will kick off at 8pm, and will be available to watch on TNT Sports.
Other Champions League games taking place on Thursday include; Club Brugge vs Monaco, FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray and Sporting vs Kairat Almaty.
Napoli's trip to the Etihad is particularly exciting given it is a European homecoming for one of City's very own icons, Kevin De Bruyne. The midfield maestro departed Manchester in the summer in favour of a move to the Italian champions, and has already scored two goals in three Serie A appearances so far.
Fellow ex-Premier League stars Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund - who both played for the other side of Manchester - are also heading to play City, and will be looking to cause Pep Guardiola some problems.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on January 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Kevin De Bruyne is set to return to his old stomping ground
On the other side, Eddie Howe is likely to be without two of his main summer signings in facing European giants Barcelona. New striker Yoane Wissa is still make his debut for the Magpies after his £55million move from Brentford, and he will have to wait a little bit longer to step out in black-and-white.
The forward was injured on international duty with DR Congo, and is expected to be out for a few weeks - meaning Barca will have to contend with the formidable Nick Woltemade instead.
Jacob Ramsey is also set to miss out on the Champions League opener, after taking an ankle knock in the 0-0 draw with Leeds United at the end of August. He is set to spend another few weeks out, but the good news is that Anthony Gordon will be ready and willing to take his spot.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park on August 16, 2025 in Birmingham, England.
Gordon will be available for the Magpies on Thursday
The forward missed the most recent 1-0 win over Wolves through suspension - after his tackle on Virgil van Dijk in a 3-2 loss saw him dismissed - but he will be able to play in Europe.
City and Newcastle will both kick off in the Champions League at 8pm on Thursday, September 18 2025.
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