Why are Manchester City and Newcastle United playing Champions League games on a Thursday night?

"Manchester City and Newcastle United will play their opening Champions League games on a Thursday night this season. That's weird, because the competition is generally held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with Thursday usually reserved for the Europa League and the Conference League. 'Channel 5, Thursday nights' and all that. So why the change for Barcelona's visit to St James' Park and Napoli's trip to the Etihad, alongside four other Champions League games on Thursday, September 18?"

"Thursday night Champions League games actually took place last season too, with a handful of games moved as part of UEFA's shake-up of their three continental cup competitions. Arsenal were the only English side affected on that occasion, with their opening clash away to Atalanta taking place on what Joey Tribbiani would consider 'the third day'. As for why that's happening...UEFA have basically decided that the Champions League and Europa League will get their opening weeks to themselves in September."

"Because it just would not do to have a week without an extra evening of precious TV rights to sell, games from the other competitions are spread out as a one-off each season to help fill in the gap. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The first week of the clumsily-named Champions League league phase comes a week before the Europa League equivalent gets under way, and two weeks before the Conference League starts properly"

UEFA moved six Champions League matches to Thursday, September 18, including Barcelona at Newcastle and Napoli at Manchester City, because the opening weeks of continental competitions are staggered. Champions League and Europa League receive dedicated opening weeks in September, leaving no Thursday slots for later-starting competitions. Matches from the Europa and Conference Leagues are spread as a one-off each season to provide additional TV slots and fill the scheduling gap. Thursday Champions League fixtures also occurred last season when UEFA reorganised its three continental cups, with Arsenal's opening game at Atalanta shifted to a Thursday.

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