Newcastle United have learned their Champions League opponents ahead of the 2025/26 edition of the tournament.
While there was a lot of excitement about Nick Woltemade travelling to Tyneside for a medical, fans may have forgotten that there was a Champions League draw happening.
After a year away, the Magpies are back and ready to take on some of the best clubs in Europe. There was a lot of excitement throughout the day, with many left wondering who they would be facing in the Champions League this season.
Newcastle United faced PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in the 2023/24 season, and it was confirmed that they will reunite with the French giants this season. Additionally, Newcastle will play Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Marseille, PSV, Athletic Club and Union SG.
Newcastle avoided long trips to the Kazakhstani side FC Kairat in the Champions League draw in favour of some fascinating ties in Europe’s top competition. With the draw now complete, two of the Magpies’ opponents have sent a message on social media.
Champions League clubs send message to Newcastle United after draw
Woltemade will be joining Newcastle for Champions League football, and he could play against one of his soon-to-be former clubs’ league rivals in Leverkusen. However, the 23-year-old has never beaten the Bundesliga side in four meetings.
Either way, Newcastle will be ready for the trip to the BayArena later this year. Eddie Howe will also be out for revenge against Erik ten Hag, whose Manchester United side beat Newcastle in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.
While the game should be full of excitement and action, Leverkusen have opted to take a warm approach to the fixture.
On the social media platform X, Leverkusen said: “Howay the lads! See you at the BayArena!”
Elsewhere, Athletic Club also shared a fascinating video of when Newcastle fans came to Spain for their UEFA Cup clash in 1994.
When is Newcastle United’s first Champions League game
With the draw made and Newcastle aware of their opponents, the wait is on for the first game.
There is no confirmation of who Newcastle’s first opponent will be, but there are some very tasty ties which fans will be desperate to get a ticket for. Perhaps none other than the upcoming game against Spanish giants Barcelona at St James’ Park.
Fans will remember Newcastle’s famous win against Barcelona in 1997, where Tino Asprilla scored a hat-trick to seal a memorable win on home turf.
Newcastle’s first game of the Champions League season will take place between 16 and 18 September. The opponent is pending, as well as the rest of the schedule.
In what was already a very big season, the feel of it has just become even greater now that the Champions League draw has been made.
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