Marseille vs Newcastle United: How to Watch Champions League Match on TNT Sports Nov 25, 2025
The UEFA Champions League League Phase clash between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France. For British fans, this isn’t just another European fixture—it’s a pivotal Matchday 5 showdown with real stakes for both clubs’ knockout hopes. And it’s exclusive to TNT Sports, with live coverage starting at 19:30 UK time. No free-to-air options. No last-minute switches. Just one channel—and it’s not even confirmed which one yet.
Where to Watch: TNT Sports and Discovery+
If you’re in the UK, your only legal option is TNT Sports. The broadcaster, formerly BT Sport, rebranded in July 2023 under Warner Bros. Discovery, and holds exclusive rights to 187 of the 204 Champions League matches this season. The match will air on one of five possible TNT Sports channels—1, 2, 5, 6, or 7—with the final designation labeled ‘TBC’ until hours before kickoff. That’s not a glitch—it’s standard procedure for midweek fixtures with overlapping schedules. The real flexibility comes with Discovery+, the streaming platform that carries all TNT Sports content. Subscribers pay £30.99 per month with no contract, making it the most popular choice for casual viewers who don’t want to lock into a 12-month TV package costing £25–£30. Discovery+ also bundles Eurosport and exclusive documentaries, so you’re not just paying for football—you’re getting a full sports ecosystem.The Broadcast Team: Smith and Keown Lead the Coverage
Pre-match analysis will be handled by Matthew Thomas Smith, the veteran presenter known for his calm delivery during high-stakes finals, and Martin David Keown, the former Arsenal defender whose blunt, no-nonsense takes have made him a fan favorite. Keown’s insights into defensive structure will be critical—Newcastle’s backline has been shaky in away European games this season, while Marseille’s attack, led by 21-year-old sensation Yacine Brahimi, has scored in five of their last six home Champions League matches.Why This Match Matters: Knockout Race on the Line
This isn’t just about pride. After four matchdays, Newcastle United sit in 12th place—barely above the playoff cutoff. A win here could lift them into the top eight and guarantee a Round of 16 spot. A loss? They’d be staring at a two-legged playoff against a top-tier side like Real Madrid or Manchester City—both playing on the same night. Olympique de Marseille are in better shape, sitting seventh, but they’ve lost their last two European home games. Their fans are restless. The Stade Vélodrome, with its 67,394-seat roar, has been electric this season—but the pressure is mounting. A draw might not be enough.What About the US and Other Regions?
In the United States, the match will stream on Paramount+, ViX, and DAZN, starting at 15:00 Eastern Time. No broadcast delays. No regional blackouts. Just direct access to the same feed as the UK, though commentary will be localized. The scheduling is consistent across continents, with all Tuesday night matches kicking off simultaneously.
The Bigger Picture: Broadcasting Power Plays
This fixture highlights a quiet revolution in European football broadcasting. Amazon Prime Video now holds rights to 17 Champions League matches this season—but not this one. They have first pick on Tuesday nights, and they chose other fixtures: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, Benfica vs. Napoli. That tells you everything. Newcastle vs. Marseille? It’s a compelling story, but not the headline. And that’s why TNT Sports still dominates the UK market—they’ve built a reputation on consistent, high-quality coverage since 2019.What’s Next? The Knockout Door Is Narrowing
The League Phase format, introduced in 2024/25, has made every match feel like a final. Teams play eight games against random opponents, not just three in a group. That means inconsistency is punished harder. For Newcastle United, this is a make-or-break moment. A win here and they’re in the driver’s seat. A loss? They’ll need to win their final three games and hope for help from other results. Olympique de Marseille know they can’t afford to slip again. Their last Champions League knockout appearance was in 2012. This could be their best shot in over a decade.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Marseille vs Newcastle United for free?
No. The match is exclusive to TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK. Free-to-air broadcasters like ITV or BBC don’t hold any Champions League rights. Even highlights on YouTube are restricted to 20-minute clips after the match. Any site claiming to stream it for free is likely illegal and unsafe.
Why is the TNT Sports channel listed as TBC?
TNT Sports airs multiple Champions League matches simultaneously on different channels. With five possible channels (1, 2, 5, 6, 7), the broadcaster waits until 24–48 hours before kickoff to assign the fixture based on scheduling conflicts, studio availability, and concurrent events like the FA Cup. The channel will be confirmed via their app, website, and EPG.
Does Discovery+ include the match if I only subscribe for Eurosport?
Yes. Discovery+ in the UK includes all TNT Sports channels as part of its standard £30.99 monthly plan. There’s no separate Eurosport tier anymore—the platform unified all sports content in 2023. If you’re subscribed to Discovery+, you’re covered.
How does the new Champions League format affect this match?
The League Phase replaced the old group stage, meaning teams face eight opponents instead of three. That makes every game more unpredictable. A loss here could drop Newcastle below the playoff line (9th–24th), forcing them into a two-legged knockout round just to reach the Round of 16. There’s no safety net.
What’s the historical significance of this fixture?
These two clubs have met just once in European competition—back in 2004, in the UEFA Cup. Newcastle won 2–1 at St. James’ Park, but lost 3–0 in Marseille. This is their first-ever Champions League meeting. With both clubs investing heavily in youth and infrastructure, this could be the start of a new rivalry.
What time does the match start in my time zone?
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT. That’s 15:00 Eastern Time (ET), 12:00 Pacific Time (PT), 21:00 in Berlin, and 05:00 in Sydney on Wednesday. Check your local listings—some platforms may show start times in local time, not GMT.
