The Champions League will soon return for Newcastle United.
Indeed, on Thursday, Newcastle United will discover what awaits them in Europe’s elite club competition.
The Champions League draw takes place for the first phase of the competition, which has changed since Newcastle’s last appearance.
Instead of playing in eight groups of four, the tournament has been expanded. Now, all 36 teams will compete across one league table.
Those who finish in the top eight will seal automatic qualification for the round of 16. For those who finish between ninth and 24th, there will be a two-legged knock-out tie to reach that stage.
Finishing 25th or below means European football is over for the season, rather than dropping down into the Europa League.
Newcastle will hope to at least get into the play-offs. They smashed Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, while also running AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund close, after all.
Given their performances last time out, Eddie Howe’s side have little to fear. Here are some dream trips for supporters of the club.
A general view of the Champions League trophy.
Photo by Kristian Skeie – UEFA
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Dream opponents for Newcastle United in the Champions League draw
Clearly, many will be hoping for the easiest draw possible for Newcastle. They are in pot 4 and must also play two teams each from pots 1, 2 and 3 – one at home and one away.
Howe’s side cannot face a team from England in the league phase, and only two per association. For example, they cannot face more than two Spanish teams in their opening eight games.
Still, it’s not all about having things easy. The prospect of some fantastic trips to Europe’s most storied stadiums is equally as exciting as the idea of actually progressing into the knockout rounds.
With all things considered, here’s a look at the best possible outcome for Newcastle fans in terms of experiences away in brilliant cities at iconic stadiums.
Any of the below in Newcastle’s four away games would be fantastic.
Newcastle United’s best possible trips in the Champions League Pot
Real Madrid 1
Bayern Munich 1
Atletico Madrid 2
Juventus 2
Napoli 3
Ajax 3
Pafos 4
Galatasaray 4
The likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich may be difficult but they, along with Napoli, are some of the biggest clubs around. Watching the Magpies in such iconic stadiums would be fantastic.
Ajax of Amsterdam would be another fantastic journey for away fans, while Pafos of Cyprus looks like another great jaunt.
When the Champions League starts for Newcastle United
The 2025/26 Champions League’s first phase starts on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
It continues until Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The knockout phase then begins on Tuesday, 17 February, 2026. If Newcastle progress straight into the round of 16, they will resume their campaign on Tuesday, 10 March, 2026.
While it’s tough to imagine Newcastle reaching the first Champions League final in their history, optimistic supporters will want to note the date for that down as Saturday, 30 May, 2026.
The final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.