By Michael Nsikan Richard – November 5th, 2025
Date : Wednesday, November 5th 2025
KickOff : 9:00pm WAT
Venue : St James’ Park, Newcastle
Historical and Match Context
The two sides met in the 1994-95 UEFA Cup knockout rounds, with Bilbao progressing on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate stalemate.
Newcastle are aiming to win three successive games in a major European competition for the first time since 2007 and take a huge step towards securing a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
Bilbao have won just one of their 10 away European games against English opposition (8 losses).
The Lions haven’t won a competitive away game since late August and have lost four of their last five European away games.
Current Form and Momentum
Newcastle United currently sit in 8th position in the Champions League standings with 6 points from three games, while Athletic Bilbao are positioned 21st with 3 points.
The Magpies have responded impressively to their opening defeat against Barcelona with convincing victories of 4-0 over Union SG and 3-0 over Benfica.
They started the season poorly, winning just one of their opening 6 matches, but have emerged victorious from four of their last 6 contests. However, their domestic form remains concerning. Newcastle are currently stuck in 13th place in the Premier League, 5 points behind European rivals Spurs, Chelsea, and Man United, and were absolutely dismal on Sunday, totally lacking in quality, energy, and fight as West Ham won 3-1 with ease.
In stark contrast to their away struggles, Newcastle’s home form has been on the rise in recent weeks, having won four consecutive matches at St. James’ Park while conceding just once in the process.
For Athletic Bilbao, the season has been challenging. The Basque side have won just two of their last 11 games in all competitions. Their last match saw them fall to a 3-2 defeat away to archrivals, Real Sociedad, in the Basque derby.
They have been struggling to find consistency in front of the goal and have not looked comfortable in their European fixtures.
Key Team News and Absences
Newcastle United: Yoane Wissa, Tino Livramento (knee injury), Harrison Ashby (thigh), and Anthony Gordon (hip problem) are all out injured. Lewis Hall returned to the matchday squad at London Stadium but didn’t come off the bench and is unlikely to start.
Athletic Bilbao: Inaki Williams and Inigo Leuke (both adductor), Nico Williams (groin), Moroan Sannadi (knee injury), Benat Prados and Unai Egiluz (both ACL), Oihan Sancet, and Yuri Berchiche are all ruled out due to the injury crisis.
Prediction
Athletic Bilbao arrive in the Northeast struggling for form and confidence. Their poor record against English opposition and recent away form suggest they face a difficult task. However, they will be desperate and determined to pick up points to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
The Magpies’ need to bounce back from their domestic loss should fuel a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter between a Newcastle side seeking redemption after their weekend defeat and an Athletic Bilbao team trying to arrest their recent slide. The home advantage and superior current form make Newcastle favorites, but European football often produces surprises.
Expected Outcome: Newcastle 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
UPDATE: Newcastle extend H2H win against Nottingham Forest
