The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Union (Belgium) and Newcastle (England) will be held on October 1 at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels. Union vs. Newcastle: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Union
Two weeks ago, the club played its first-ever match in the main draw of the Champions League, and it turned out to be a success as Union defeated PSV 3-1. For the Belgians, this was only their fifth match in the Champions League, including qualifiers, with just one previous win. The victory in the Netherlands ended a three-game losing streak in this European competition, and Union currently sits in fifth place in the group standings.
- The club has scored in regular time in 7 of its last 8 European matches.
- Union's uncompromising run in international tournaments spans 7 matches (5 wins, 2 losses).
- At least 2 goals have been scored in Union's last 6 European encounters.
Predicted lineup for Union (3-5-2)
Kjell Scherpen – Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess – Anouar Ait El Hadj, Anan Khalaili, Adem Zorgane, Mathias Rasmussen, Ousseynou Niang – Raul Floruc, David Promis.
Forward Raul Floruc has served his suspension. Another attacking player, Mohammed Fuseini, is injured.
Newcastle
The English side made their Champions League debut at home but couldn't please the crowd, losing 1-2 to Barcelona. Newcastle was close to a goalless defeat, scoring their only goal in the 90th minute. This extended the club's winless streak in the Champions League to five matches, with four of those ending in losses. The team is currently 26th in the overall group stage standings.
- Newcastle has conceded in their last 6 Champions League matches.
- At least 2 goals have been scored in 5 of Newcastle's last 6 games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Newcastle (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Sven Botman – Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali – Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey and forward Yoane Wissa are recovering from injuries. Defenders Fabian Schär and Valentino Livramento are doubtful.
Referee
Urs Schnyder (Switzerland)
Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 10%.
Union vs. Newcastle: Match Prediction
In the first round of the Champions League, Union confidently defeated PSV, conceding only one goal at the 90th minute when the match outcome was already decided. The team rarely falters in defense, as evidenced by the fact that the Belgians have not conceded more than one goal in 8 of their last 10 European matches. This pattern was also observed in 5 of Union's last 6 home games in the Champions League and Europa League.
Newcastle, on the other hand, has not been impressive in attack. Two weeks ago, they avoided a goalless defeat to Barcelona only with a late goal, and overall, the English side has not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 Champions League matches. Three of these 7 games were away, where Newcastle managed only one goal in total. Although they previously faced more prestigious opponents, a solid Union can also minimize errors at their end.
Prediction – Newcastle Individual Total Under 1.5
