St. James’ Park in Newcastle is the venue for a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League league phase encounter as Newcastle United host Spanish opponents Athletic Club. This Matchday 4 fixture is vital for both clubs, who are battling to climb into the top half of the league phase table and secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Newcastle’s European form has provided a welcome contrast to recent domestic struggles, while Athletic Club are dealing with poor away form and a significant injury crisis. This match is a test of The Magpies’ home fortress mentality against Athletic’s Basque resilience and desire for a pivotal European away win.
Match Details
This midweek Champions League contest is a crucial fixture for both sides in the intensely competitive league phase format.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – League Phase (Matchday 4) |
| Date | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England |
Team Form and Analysis for Newcastle United
Domestic Form and European Performance
Newcastle United’s form has been a story of two halves this season. Their domestic campaign has been disappointing, with a significant setback coming in their last fixture—a demoralising 3-1 Premier League defeat away to West Ham United. This loss has left them languishing in the mid-table of the Premier League.
However, The Magpies have found solace and success in the Champions League. After an opening day home defeat to Barcelona, Eddie Howe’s side secured back-to-back home victories against Union Saint-Gilloise and Benfica, the latter a convincing 3-0 win. These results demonstrate their ability to perform on the European stage and their strength at St. James’ Park, where they have an enviable record of losing only four of their last 33 home European games. Newcastle currently sit in a competitive position in the league phase table, needing a win to boost their seeding.
Key Player: Anthony Gordon
Winger Anthony Gordon has been Newcastle’s most consistent attacker in the Champions League this term, having scored in his last three consecutive European appearances. Despite a recent hip injury making him a major doubt for the match, his impact when fit is undeniable. Gordon’s pace, directness, and clinical finishing from the wide areas are crucial to Newcastle’s attacking success, and his potential contribution, whether from the start or the bench, will be key to unlocking the Athletic Club defence.
Team Form and Analysis for Athletic Club
Domestic Form and European Performance
Athletic Club’s form has been inconsistent, and they enter this fixture facing major challenges. Domestically, they suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat in the Basque derby against Real Sociedad, prolonging a painful sequence of results that has seen them pick up just two wins from their last 11 matches across all competitions.
In the Champions League, their results have been mixed: a heavy opening defeat to Arsenal (0-2) and a loss to Borussia Dortmund (4-1) were followed by a crucial 3-1 home victory over Qarabağ FK on Matchday 3. This win lifted them to a competitive position in the league phase table. However, their major weakness is their away form, having lost four of their last five away games in all competitions and having failed to win in their last five European away matches. Furthermore, they are grappling with a significant injury crisis, with key players like Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams ruled out or doubtful.
Key Player: Gorka Guruzeta
Striker Gorka Guruzeta has been the reliable goal threat for Athletic Club in the Champions League, having scored three goals in three appearances. In the absence of the Williams brothers, the pressure to deliver goals falls squarely on his shoulders. Guruzeta’s poaching ability and composure in front of goal will be essential if Athletic are to exploit any chances created and score the vital away goal needed to disrupt Newcastle’s plans.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The competitive head-to-head record between Newcastle United and Athletic Club is limited to two matches played over 30 years ago.
| Metric | Newcastle United Wins | Draws | Athletic Club Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggregate (1994 UEFA Cup) | 3 | 3 (Athletic won on away goals) | |
| Most Recent Competitive Result (Nov 1994) | Athletic 1-0 Newcastle (A) |
The two clubs met in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup, where Newcastle won the first leg 3-2 at home, but Athletic Club progressed on the away goals rule following a 1-0 win in the second leg in Bilbao. This Champions League fixture marks their third competitive meeting and first in the continent’s premier tournament.
Players to Watch
Newcastle United
- Bruno Guimarães (Midfielder): The Brazilian captain is the engine room of the team, controlling the tempo, breaking up play, and initiating attacks. Despite a recent illness, his presence and influence are paramount to Newcastle’s success, particularly in overcoming Athletic’s midfield tenacity.
- Sven Botman (Defender): The composed Dutch centre-back is the anchor of the defence. His ability to read the game, his aerial prowess, and his passing from the back will be vital in resisting Athletic’s counter-attacks and maintaining the team’s European clean sheet record.
Athletic Club
- Oihan Sancet (Attacking Midfielder): The attacking midfielder is the main creative force in the team. Sancet’s ability to operate in tight spaces and deliver a killer pass will be crucial in unlocking the resolute Newcastle defence, especially with several key attackers sidelined.
- Aitor Paredes (Defender): The young centre-back will be key to marshalling a backline facing the pressure of a strong home attack. His strength and positioning will be tested by Newcastle’s physical forwards and direct style of play.
Prediction
Newcastle United enters this match as the strong favourite. Their impressive Champions League home record and the desperation to bounce back from a poor domestic outing will fuel their performance. Athletic Club are significantly hampered by a major injury crisis, particularly in attack, and a crippling away form that has seen them lose four of their last five on the road. While Athletic will be defensively sound for periods, the sustained pressure and quality of Newcastle’s attack, even with injury doubts, should be enough to secure a decisive victory and bolster their position in the league phase table.
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Athletic Club
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting from 7:00 PM GMT. The match can be streamed via the Discovery+ app and website for subscribers.
In Spain, the match will be broadcast on Movistar Liga de Campeones.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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