Champions League: Tough Battle Ahead as Newcastle and Athletic Club Clash for Playoff Spots
by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga
Newcastle United Eyes Third Win in Four In Fierce Home Battle
Despite being the heavy favorites to win this game, we think it's much closer on paper and could swing any way. Newcastle is in a better position, no doubt. However, they host an equally competent Athletic Club side that's even more desperate for points in this game. See our football expert’s best Newcastle vs Athletic Club prediction for more insights into the outcome.
On paper, Newcastle is the stronger side, boasting an attacking lineup featuring names like Woltemade, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, and Anthony Elanga. Their midfield, featuring Tonali, Joelinton, and Guimaraes, is also superior. That lineup has led them to back-to-back wins in this tournament against Benfica (3-0) and USG (4-0), which followed a well-contested opening-day 2-1 loss to Barcelona.
With a squad like that and the performances to back them up, it's no surprise that the Magpies are favorites to beat Bilbao. Yet, the away side’s desperation might just be the difference in this game.
Desperate Bilbao Scrambles To Secure Playoff Spot Against Newcastle
Ernesto Valverde's men must pull off the seemingly impossible or at least walk away with a draw in their Round 4 matchup against Newcastle. The Spanish side sits just one place below the playoff qualification spot, and desperately needs points to keep their UCL dreams alive.
However, this will rightfully be a difficult task for Bilbao, who have been abysmal all season and in the Champions League, especially with several key players like the Williams brothers missing. Bilbao were on a high after opening their 2025/26 campaign with three straight wins. However, they proceeded to lose the next four games and went winless in the seven games after.
Athletic Club has won only two of its last 12 games and is just coming off back-to-back league losses. In the Champions League, Bilbao have lost two of the three games played, only now winning their latest against Qarabag (3-1) after losing to Dortmund (4-1) and Arsenal (2-0) in the opening two games.
The Lions now travel to England in the worst possible form, knowing only their bravery could see them walk away with something.
