The Champions League group stage is back this week, with Newcastle in action against Barcelona - but why are they playing on a Thursday?
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park on September 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Eddie Howe will be relishing the opportunity of more European football this season
(Image: Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The Champions League has made a thrilling return this week, with several Premier League teams participating across Europe.
However, Newcastle fans might be puzzled as to why their match isn't being held in the usual Tuesday and Wednesday evening slots, but is instead scheduled for Thursday. Typically, Thursday nights are reserved for Europa League fixtures for the dedicated football supporter, but the new European format introduced last season has changed things.
There's one exclusive Champions League week per season, and matchday one has been chosen for this campaign, spread over September 16, 17 and 18. Newcastle supporters can therefore breathe easy knowing their Thursday evenings will be free for the remainder of the league phase.
This week is just a one off, with the second and third tier European competitions getting underway in the coming weeks. Barcelona will travel to St James' Park to experience the full voice of the Toon Army, with kick-off slated for 8pm and coverage in the UK being provided by TNT Sports.
Other Champions League matches taking place on Thursday include Manchester City vs Napoli, Club Brugge vs Monaco, FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray and Sporting vs Kairat Almaty.
As kick-off draws closer, Eddie Howe may have to contend without two of his key summer signings when they face European heavyweights Barcelona. New striker Yoane Wissa, who joined Newcastle from Brentford for £55million, is yet to make his debut in black and white.
Dan Burn of Newcastle United celebrates with Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schaer of Newcastle United after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Paris Saint-Germain at St. James Park on October 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
The Magpies will have a full support behind them on Thursday
Wissa sustained an injury while on international duty with DR Congo and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, meaning Barcelona will instead have to contend with fellow new arrival Nick Woltemade.
Jacob Ramsey is also likely to miss the Champions League opener due to an ankle injury sustained in the 0-0 draw with Leeds United at the end of August. He is expected to be out for a few more weeks, but the silver lining is that Anthony Gordon is ready and eager to fill his boots.
Gordon remained absent for the recent 1-0 victory over Wolves due to suspension - following a tackle on Virgil van Dijk which saw him sent off in last month's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool - but he will be eligible to play in Europe.
Howe seems to have a full complement elsewhere, which will be required to face a seemingly unstoppable Barca heading their way on Thursday. The La Liga side were in top form at the weekend, smashing Valencia 6-0.
Robert Lewandowski celebrates during the match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF, corresponding to week 4 of LaLiga EA Sports, played at the Joan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on September 14, 2025.
Barcelona are a pretty tough opponent to start off with
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is a doubt for the game with a groin injury, as well as midfield stalwart Frenkie de Jong, who is dealing with a muscle problem. Gavi (knee), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) and Alejandro Balde (hamstring) are all out - but boss Hansi Flick has plenty of other options in his squad for selection.
After scoring as substitutes last time out, both Lewandowski and Raphinha are expected to return to the starting XI and are a formidable duo for Newcastle to contend with. The Polish striker put up seven goals in the league phase of the Champions League last year, while Raphinha was the joint top scorer with 13 goals and nine assists.
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is also available to start, with Marc Casado an option in midfield alongside Pedri if De Jong is deemed unfit.