This Wednesday, January 28th, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) faces Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET) for Matchday 8 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. And as before every match, here is a preview of PSG’s opponent.
Newcastle’s situation –
Twenty years later, Newcastle returned to the Champions League in 2023. Of course, the arrival of Saudi investors in 2021 certainly helped the Magpies return to prominence in the Premier League, after their relegation in the 2016-2017 season. The transfer market became easier with significant financial resources, but it’s worth noting that the owners were patient and built a cohesive team.
Furthermore, there has been a focus on maintaining stability despite some high-profile departures, such as Alexander Isak to Liverpool. He was replaced by Nick Woltemade in the “big summer transfer.” There’s also manager Eddie Howe, who has been in charge since 2021 and has once again managed to secure a Champions League spot. No easy feat given the fierce competition in the Premier League.
This season, the Magpies are 9th in the Premier League and 7th in the Champions League.
Summer Transfer Window 2025 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025-2026 –
Source: Transfermarkt.
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Statistics –
This season, Newcastle boasts one of the 7 best attacks in the Champions League with 16 goals scored (the leaders, PSG, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, have 20, while the last, Pafos and Slavia Prague, have 4), and the second-best defense. With 6 goals conceded (Arsenal has the best defense with 2 goals conceded; the last, Ajax Amsterdam, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Kairat Almaty, have 19).
Newcastle’s top scorer is Anthony Gordon (24-year-old striker), with 6 goals, placing him among the 3rd in the Champions League (the leader is Kylian Mbappé with 11 goals). Jacob Murphy (30-year-old midfielder) is the English club’s top assist provider with 2 assists, placing him among the 15th in the Champions League (the top assist providers are Christos Tzolis and Vinicius Junior with 5 assists each).
Newcastle’s Champions League matches.
Only Newcastle’s possession is shown, and their shots are listed first (when data is available).
September 18, 2025 (Champions League) – Newcastle/FC Barcelona: 1-2. 4-3-3 formation. 39% possession. 8 shots, 6 on target against 18 shots (4 on target)
October 1, 2025 (Champions League) – Union Saint-Gilloise/Newcastle: 0-4. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 53% possession. 13 shots, 6 on target, compared to 12 shots (6 on target) for Union Saint-Gilloise.
October 21, 2025 (Champions League) – Newcastle/Benfica: 3-0. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 52% possession. 19 shots, 10 on target, compared to 7 shots (2 on target) for Union Saint-Gilloise.
November 5, 2025 (Champions League) – Newcastle/Athletic Bilbao: 2-0. Playing a 4-3-3 formation. 61% possession. 8 shots, 4 on target, compared to 12 shots (7 on target) for Union Saint-Gilloise.
November 25, 2025 (Champions League) – OM/Newcastle: 2-1. In 4-3-3. 38% possession. 16 shots including 8 on target versus 16 shots (7 on target).
10/12/2025 (Champions League) – Bayer Leverkusen/Newcastle: 2-2. In 4-3-3. 47% possession. 12 shots including 5 on target against 16 shots (8 on target).
01/21/2026 (Champions League) – Newcastle/PSG Eindhoven: 3-0. In 4-3-3. 52% possession. 9 shots including 4 on target versus 6 shots (1 on target).
The likely lineup in 4-3-3.
Gordon – Woltemade – Barnes
Ramsey – Tonali – Miley
Hall – Botman – Thiaw – Trippier
Pope
Newcastle’s playing style.
Newcastle doesn’t prioritize possession, but rather plays a very physical game and tries to attack quickly after winning the ball back. This often leads to intense matches that can become very spectacular.
PSG will need to be wary of the physical challenge, particularly in midfield and on set pieces. They also have a tendency to play quick passes behind the defense, exploiting the athleticism of their forwards. One of the keys employed by Parisian coach Luis Enrique will likely be controlling the tempo. This proved very difficult during the 2023-2024 group stage, but PSG has made significant progress since then. However, they must remain mindful of the physical issues Paris has faced this year.
