The only time these two clubs have met before, Athletic Club knocked Newcastle out of the 1994/95 UEFA Cup on away goals.
The Magpies have won six and lost six against Spanish opposition to date; Athletic have won only one of nine visits to England.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao preview
Can Newcastle United claim a third successive Champions League victory? A fortnight ago, the Magpies demolished Benfica 3-0 at St James' Park, with Anthony Gordon breaking the deadlock before Harvey Barnes' brace made victory secure. This came after the club enjoyed their biggest-ever away victory in this competition, demolishing Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels. Now, after this, they still have to face away trips to Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain, with a home game against PSV to come, which won't be easy, meaning every point counts.
In the Premier League meantime, Eddie Howe's side are still searching for a first away win of the season. On Sunday, despite taking an early lead through Jacob Murphy's strike, the Toon Army departed East London defeat, with Sven Botman's comedy own goal helping West Ham secure a surprise 3-1 win. Thankfully for Newcastle supporters, this Champions League tie is taking place on Tyneside, so can the Magpies continue their imperious home record?
As for Athletic Club, they are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2014, but may not be sticking around for too long. Ernesto Valverde's side began this campaign with back-to-back defeats, beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in Bilbao and then 4-1 when they faced Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. A fortnight ago, San Mamés was stunned into silence when Qarabağ broke the deadlock 40 seconds into matchday three, but the Lions did roar back to win 3-1, thanks to a double by Gorka Guruzeta and a rocket from Robert Navarro.
Nevertheless, this team have clearly regressed when compared to last season, finishing fourth in La Liga, but now down in 11th. On Saturday, Athletic were beaten 3-2 in the Basque derby by Real Sociedad, twice equalising at Anoeta, only to concede a stoppage time winner in San Sebastián. That is back-to-back La Liga defeats for Athletic, who have yielded just five points from eight fixtures since August. Thus, Newcastle are likely to swat the Basque outfit aside on Tuesday night.
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Newcastle United Wins: 1. Draws: Zero. Athletic Club Bilbao Wins: 1.
Newcastle team news
Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Yoane Wissa remain injured, while Kieran Trippier missed Sunday's defeat due to illness, but there is optimism that he'll be available in time for this one.
Elsewhere, both Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade were replaced at half time against West Ham, a bizarre double change, so if either, or both of them, are sidelined for this one, that would be a major blow. Joelinton would miss the trip to Stade Vélodrome later this month if booked.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Athletic Club Bilbao: (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimarães, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Newcastle player to watch vs Athletic Bilbao
Bruno Guimarães has three goals to his name this season, on target against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Fulham, all at St James' Park, so can he add to his tally?
Athletic Bilbao team news
Given that thy were beaten again on Saturday, it'll be interesting to see if Ernesto Valverde changes anything.
Captain Iñaki Williams remains sidelined due to an adductor muscle injury, which is a massive blow, but his brother Nico, who has also had injury issues to contend with this season, is set to return to the lineup.
Athletic Club Bilbao predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-2-3-1): Simón; Gorosabel, Vivan, Laporte, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar, N Williams, Sancet, Navarro; Guruzeta.
Athletic Bilbao player to watch vs Newcastle
We've already mentioned Nico Williams, but worth highlighting him again. He has only netted once this season, but bagged 11 goals during the last campaign, and will be Athletic's primary attacking threat.
Newcastle United vs Athletic Bilbao prediction
We are backing Newcastle for a comfortable victory on Wednesday night, given their excellent home form, alongside Athletic's underwhelming recent results: Newcastle United 2-0 Athletic Bilbao.
Newcastle vs Athletic Bilbao FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League on TV channel?
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League on live streaming?
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League?
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao takes place on Wednesday 5 November 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).