The UEFA Champions League (UCL) enters day 3 with a thrilling lineup of fixtures headlined by Newcastle United’s clash with Spanish giants Barcelona at St James’ Park, while Manchester City hosts Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
This comes on the back of a dramatic opening night that saw European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Liverpool secure statement victories to kick off the Champions League 2025/26 campaign in style.
On Wednesday, Bayern Munich overcame Chelsea 3-1 in Munich, with England captain Harry Kane scoring twice to give the German champions a much-needed victory.
Liverpool also impressed in their opening outing, edging past Atlético Madrid 3-2 at Anfield thanks to a last-gasp header from Virgil van Dijk.
Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain also recorded victories, setting the stage for an exciting competition this season.
UCL Day 3 Fixtures
Newcastle vs Barcelona
The UEFA Champions League continues tonight with a blockbuster showdown as Newcastle United host FC Barcelona at a packed St James’ Park from 10 pm.
For Newcastle, this game marks a return to the Champions League after narrowly missing out last season.
Eddie Howe’s side is determined to make an early statement against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs despite having their preparations hindered by injuries.
Yoane Wissa is ruled out with a knee injury until after the October international break, while midfielder Jacob Ramsey misses out with an ankle problem.
Hansi Flick’s squad will also be without several key players.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is sidelined with a groin issue, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is out with a back injury, Alejandro Balde is missing due to a hamstring problem, and Gavi continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.
The two clubs have met four times in Champions League history, with Barcelona winning three encounters and Newcastle claiming one famous victory.
A strong start is crucial, and for both Newcastle and Barcelona, tonight’s result could define the trajectory of their campaigns.
Manchester City vs Napoli
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, is looking to build on its domestic success, while Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, aims to continue their strong performances in European competitions.
Kevin De Bruyne, now playing for Napoli, has made a strong start at Napoli, scoring twice in three matches, and comes back to face his former team, Manchester City.
The match is a rematch of their 2017-18 Champions League clashes, which were thrillers that saw City win both encounters in high-scoring fashion.
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The sides have previously met 4 times, with Manchester City winning twice, Napoli once, and one draw, and the match promises to be a compelling encounter at the Etihad.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray
The UCL group stage match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Galatasaray is scheduled for Thursday, 18 September 2025, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, from 10 pm.
Eintracht Frankfurt and Galatasaray have faced each other twice in European competitions, both encounters occurring during the 1992–93 UEFA Cup.
Galatasaray holds an unbeaten record against Frankfurt, with one win and one draw, and notably, Frankfurt has yet to score against the Turkish side in these meetings.
Eintracht Frankfurt enters this match following a 3–1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, which ended their eight-match unbeaten streak.
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Under the guidance of coach Okan Buruk, the reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray have been in strong form, winning all five of their Turkish Super Lig matches this season.
Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen is sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning Mauro Icardi is expected to lead the line.
Other UCL Day 3 Matches
18th September: Club Brugge vs. AS Monaco – Jan Breydel Stadium, Brugge (7:45 pm)
18th September: Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen – Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (7:45 pm)
18th September: Sporting CP vs. FC Kairat – Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon (10 pm)
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