Before this match, the two title contenders were locked on points, but Mikel Arteta’s men had slipped to second place because the Citizens held a superior goals scored tiebreaker.

With this result, Arsenal move to 73 points, establishing a three-point cushion over Manchester City (70 points). However, the title race remains extremely tight: Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand, as they were absent from league play this weekend to defeat Southampton in the FA Cup semifinals.

Here’s how things stand in the 2025-26 Premier League after today’s game:

Arsenal’s path to the Premier League title

The Gunners have just four games left in their quest to secure the Premier League trophy. However, Mikel Arteta’s men must navigate a dual-front battle, as they remain heavy contenders in the Champions League, where a high-stakes semifinal clash against Atletico Madrid awaits.

To clinch the domestic title, Arsenal will need to maintain their momentum through these final league fixtures:

• Fulham (home) – May 2
• West Ham (away) – May 10
• Burnley (home) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (away) – May 24

Manchester City’s remaining Premier League schedule

Unlike Arsenal, Manchester City have five matches remaining on their domestic calendar. The Citizens have a game in hand due to their FA Cup semifinal game, where they faced Southampton.

As Pep Guardiola’s squad looks to close the gap at the top of the table, it will needs to navigate a congested May schedule that includes three home fixtures and two crucial away trips. Here are the remaining Premier League matches for the defending champions:

• Everton (away) – May 4
• Brentford (home) – May 9
• Bournemouth (away) – TBD
• Crystal Palace (home) – TBD
• Aston Villa (home) – May 24

Last weekend may have marked a turning point in this stretch, following the Gunners’ defeat at the hands of City. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal 2–1, situation that inflicted Mikel Arteta to urge calm among his players, bringing both teams level on 70 points.

With only a handful of matches remaining, neither team can afford to concede points along the way. Arteta and his side want to stay alive in the race and achieve its ultimate goal of being crowned champions.

What happens if Arsenal beat Newcastle today?

If Arsenal beat Newcastle, they will reach 73 points and move into sole possession of first place. One key detail to keep in mind: Manchester City still have a game in hand, despite having already played Matchday 34, beating Burnley last Wednesday.

Both teams have the same goal difference (+7), although the Citizens have scored more goals (66 compared to the Gunners’ 63). At this stage, it will be crucial to score as many goals as possible.

What happens if Arsenal and Newcastle tie today?

If Arsenal and Newcastle draw today at the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s side will reach 71 points and move into sole possession of first place. However, City still need to play against Crystal Palace from Matchday 31, which, if they win, could see them go top of the table.

What happens if Arsenal lose to Newcastle today?

If Arsenal lose to Newcastle at home today, they would remain on 70 points, sharing the top of the table with City. However, if the Manchester side pick up points against Palace in their outstanding fixture, they would become outright leaders.

Arsenal’s remaining matches:

• vs Fulham
• vs West Ham
• vs Burnley
• vs Crystal Palace

[Watch Arsenal vs Newcastle online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The Premier League title race tightens as Manchester City pulled level on points with Arsenal following their win over Burnley, with City holding the top spot on goal difference. That leaves Arsenal with no margin for error heading into a pivotal clash against Newcastle United.

The Magpies are still chasing a European place but primarily focused on finishing as high as possible in the standings. With the stakes rising and the margin razor-thin, this matchup could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the title race.

When will the Arsenal vs Newcastle match be played?

Arsenal play against Newcastle this Saturday, April 25, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 34. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM (ET).

Arsenal vs Newcastle: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Arsenal and Newcastle the USA on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Sling Blue, USA Network, Universo and Hulu + Live TV.

With the score sitting at a dominant 7-2 in the 83rd minute, Garcia overextended while attempting to stop a shot. Unfortunately, the Spanish goalkeeper was unable to get back to his feet, forcing the club into an unexpected goalkeeper change despite the massive lead.

Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny entered the fray for the final minutes to see out the victory. Early reports suggest that Garcia suffered an injury to his left leg, though Barcelona are expected to reveal more details in the coming hours to determine the severity of the issue.

Barcelona need Joan Garcia back as soon as possible

By defeating Newcastle 8-3 on aggregate, Barcelona have secured a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals. However, having Garcia back for the intense final stretch of the season will be vital to the team’s success.

Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday before the international FIFA window at the end of March. Following the break, the Blaugranas return for a high-stakes La Liga match against Atletico de Madrid on April 4—a duel that could be repeated in the Champions League quarterfinals if the Colchoneros manage to eliminate Tottenham.

While Wojciech Szczesny is a reliable veteran, Barcelona have found a truly outstanding presence in Garcia. For that reason, the club is undoubtedly hopeful that the Spaniard’s injury is not severe and that he can return in time for this challenging upcoming schedule.

Joan Garcia will likely miss Spain’s clash with Serbia

Following the cancellation of the Finalissima against Argentina, Spain announced a replacement fixture for the March international break. La Roja are now set to face Serbia on March 27, though it is increasingly unlikely that Joan Garcia will be available for the match.

While the final squad list has not yet been officially unveiled, Garcia was widely expected to receive his first senior call-up from coach Luis de la Fuente. The manager will likely wait for a full medical report on the calf injury Garcia sustained against Newcastle before determining if the goalkeeper can participate in this international window.

After knocking Newcastle out of the tournament, Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid. Atleti eliminated Tottenham in the round of 16, setting up a Spanish duel in the quarterfinals.

Because Atleti defeated Tottenham by a score of 5–2 in the first leg, Barca could reasonably expect their next opponent in the UEFA Champions League to be Diego Simeone’s side. However, until the second leg was played, they couldn’t rule out any scenario. Now, it’s confirmed: Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will battle for a spot in the semifinals.

Barcelona’s path to UCL final

If Barcelona are serious about conquering their sixth UEFA Champions League title, then they must get past the best clubs in European soccer. In the quarterfinals, the Catalan side will face Atletico Madrid.

If Barcelona move on to the semifinals, then their next opponent would be the winner of the QF matchup between Arsenal and Sporting CP. A potential showdown against Real Madrid would have to wait until the final, as “Los Merengues” are on the other end of the bracket.

Barcelona’s UCL record against Atletico

Barcelona will take on a familiar opponent in the quarterfinals. As Barca goes up against Atletico Madrid, the Catalan side will look to turn around its head-to-head record against the Madrid club.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have faced each other four times in the UEFA Champions League. Barca have won once, drawn another, and lost twice to Atleti. Both times the two clubs met came in the quarterfinal stage, and Atletico advanced on both occasions (2013–14 and 2015–16).

As a fun fact, Atletico went on to lose to Real Madrid in the final both times. In the 2025–26 UCL, the two Madrid-based clubs could meet in the final as well.

UCL quarterfinals bracket

• Liverpool vs PSG
• Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
• Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
• Arsenal vs Sporting CP

The Dutch midfielder remains sidelined with a significant hamstring tear in his right distal biceps femoris, an injury that has disrupted Hansi Flick’s tactical spine at a critical juncture of the season.

With De Jong officially ruled out, Flick must now pivot to find a creative solution in the double pivot, as the playmaker is not expected to return to the squad until after the upcoming international break.

The injury crisis extends to the Blaugrana backline, where Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are both unavailable due to thigh injuries sustained in early March.

The Magpies are also without the defensive stability of Fabian Schar and the midfield presence of Bruno Guimaraes, both of whom remain out with long-term knocks.

Winner eyes potential Madrid clash

The stakes extend beyond tonight’s result, as the winner of the Barcelona-Newcastle tie is slated to face either Atletico Madrid or Tottenham in the Champions League quarterfinals.

A resilient Newcastle side—buoyed by the return of Anthony Gordon—look to pull off a historic upset and eliminate one of the tournament’s betting favorites on their home turf.

Official Barcelona lineup vs. Newcastle

In the absence of De Jong, the burden of creativity falls squarely on the shoulders of Pedri and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Gavi also returns to the matchday squad to provide a much-needed emotional and defensive lift for Flick’s depleted rotation.

FC Barcelona Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Marc Bernal, Pedri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

[Watch Barcelona vs Newcastle online in the US on DirecTV Stream]

The first leg of this Round of 16 clash was far tighter than expected. Barcelona entered as favorites but were pushed to the brink and needed a late response just to salvage a draw after nearly suffering defeat on the road.

Now the series moves to Spain, where the Blaugrana aim to take advantage of home field and secure a place in the quarterfinals, while Newcastle travel with confidence, believing they can pull off a major upset and return home with a historic qualification.

When will the Barcelona vs Newcastle match be played?

Barcelona will face Newcastle this Wednesday, March 18, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is set to kick off at 1:45 PM (ET).

Barcelona vs Newcastle: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:45 PM
CT: 12:45 PM
MT: 11:45 AM
PT: 10:45 AM

How to watch Barcelona vs Newcastle in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Barcelona and Newcastle. Catch all the action live on DirecTV Stream. Other options: Paramount+, UniMás, TUDN and ViX.

The match began with a frantic first half that saw Barcelona take the lead twice through Raphinha and Marc Bernal, only for Newcastle‘s Anthony Elanga to equalize both times. However, the momentum shifted permanently just before the break when Lamine Yamal converted a penalty to send the Catalan giants into the locker room with a 3–2 lead.

In the second half, Barcelona left no doubt. Fermin Lopez extended the lead early in the period before Robert Lewandowski scored a brace. Later, Raphinha added his second of the night in the closing stages to complete the 7–2 rout. Hansi Flick’s side now awaits the winner of the Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham series to determine Barcelona’s opponent in the final eight.

Barça come into the game needing a clear result to secure qualification, while Eddie Howe‘s men arrive with the advantage—or at least the confidence—of knowing that a disciplined performance could be enough to see them through.

As fans track every goal, substitution and VAR check, the scenarios remain front of mind: What happens if Barcelona win? What if they draw? And what if Newcastle pull off the upset? Each outcome carries vastly different consequences.

What happens if Barcelona beat Newcastle today?

If Barcelona win, they qualify for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Because the first leg ended 1-1 at St. James’ Park, any win at home in the second leg gives them the advantage on aggregate and sends them through to the next round.

There are no complications here: a 1-0, 2-1, or any winning scoreline would be enough. Since the away goals rule no longer exists in UEFA competitions, the only thing that matters is the total aggregate score across both matches.

Advancing would put Hansi Flick‘s men into the quarterfinals, where they are expected to face the winner of another Round of 16 tie (Atletico Madrid vs. Tottenham, with Atletico holding the edge after the first leg).

What happens if Barcelona and Newcastle tie?

If Barcelona and Newcastle draw, the match goes to extra time—and possibly penalties. Since the first leg finished 1-1, any draw in the second leg (0-0, 1-1, 2-2, etc.) would leave the aggregate score level.

Under current UEFA rules, that means the tie cannot be decided in regular time. In that scenario, the teams would play 30 minutes of extra time. If the score is still tied after extra time, the winner would be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Newcastle today?

If Barcelona lose, they are eliminated and Newcastle advance to the quarterfinals. Any defeat in the second leg would give Newcastle the edge on aggregate after the 1-1 draw in the first leg.

There is no margin for error: unlike group-stage play, knockout ties are decided strictly by aggregate goals, and a loss automatically ends Barcelona’s Champions League campaign.

For Newcastle, a win would mark one of the club’s biggest modern European achievements, sending them into the quarterfinals and continuing their strong run in the tournament.

The match began with high intensity from the English side, who dictated possession and created several dangerous opportunities in the final third. However, Barcelona managed to stabilize their defense as the half progressed, and both teams headed into the interval scoreless.

In the second half, the Spanish giants showed more attacking intent, but Newcastle remained disciplined in their tactical approach, frustrating the visitors as the match seemed destined for a draw.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 86th minute when Jacob Murphy delivered a pinpoint cross that found an unmarked Harvey Barnes inside the box. Barnes clinical finish sparked celebrations across the stadium and appeared to secure a crucial victory.

However, with the final whistle approaching, the referee awarded a penalty to Barcelona after Joe Willock fouled Marc Casado inside the box. Yamal stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, leveling the score and leaving the series wide open for the decisive second leg at the Spotify Camp Nou next week.

The Dutch midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg during a training session with Barcelona in late February 2026. Medical tests confirmed damage to the outer lower hamstring (distal biceps femoris).

With Barca beginning a crucial knockout tie in the Champions League, his absence is a huge blow for Hansi Flick’s men as they aim to come back home with a positive result ahead of the second leg in Spain. Follow our liveblog of Newcastle vs Barcelona and don’t miss a single thing!

When will Frenkie de Jong play again?

Frenkie de Jong could return to action in late March or early April if his recovery goes as planned. The Barcelona midfielder is expected to miss around five to six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in late February.

According to ESPN and Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, his estimated return date is around late March, although the exact timing will depend on how well he progresses through rehabilitation and training.

Because it occurred shortly before the Champions League knockout stage, the Dutch international is also expected to miss multiple domestic matches and potentially the upcoming international window with the Netherlands.

The club’s medical staff will likely avoid rushing his comeback to prevent aggravating the injury. When he returns, he is expected to reclaim a central role in Barcelona’s midfield.

What happened to Frenkie de Jong?

De Jong’s injury occurred during a routine training session ahead of a busy stretch of fixtures. After further evaluation, the medical team confirmed that the midfielder would need several weeks of recovery and rehabilitation.

His absence is significant because he often acts as the team’s primary ball-progressor and tempo controller in midfield. Without him, the coaching staff has had to rely on alternatives such as Pedri, Fermin Lopez or younger midfielders.