Newcastle Cruise Past Qarabag to Reach Champions League Last 16

James Harrison

25 Feb 2026

5 MIN READ

Newcastle Cruise Past Qarabag to Reach Champions League Last 16

MATCH PREVIEW

St. James' Park witnessed a professional, if somewhat subdued, performance as Newcastle United secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a 3-2 victory over Qarabag FK, completing a commanding 9-3 aggregate triumph. While the tie was effectively over after the first leg's 6-1 demolition in Baku, Eddie Howe's side delivered a clinical display to book their ticket to the last 16, where a heavyweight clash with either Barcelona or Chelsea awaits.

A Fast Start and a Record Set

With qualification virtually assured, Howe rotated his squad, handing a debut start to young defender Alex Murphy among seven changes. The Magpies wasted no time, replicating their quick-fire start from Azerbaijan. Inside six minutes, the game was effectively put to bed. Sandro Tonali, orchestrating from midfield, calmly slotted home his first Champions League goal after Qarabag keeper Mateusz Kochalski parried a William Osula header. Before the home crowd had settled, Harvey Barnes delivered a pinpoint cross for Joelinton to volley home emphatically, making it 2-0 with barely 80 seconds between the strikes.

Qarabag's Spirited Response

The lack of tension made for a quiet atmosphere, allowing the visitors to grow into the contest. Elvin Cafarguliyev, a scorer in the first leg, forced a smart save from Aaron Ramsdale. The Newcastle keeper was called into action again before halftime, tipping a fierce Camilo Duran drive over the bar. The Horsemen's persistence paid off six minutes after the restart when Duran, their top scorer in the competition, exploited space to fire past Ramsdale at the near post.

Botman's Header Seals the Deal

Newcastle's response was immediate and decisive. Within a minute, Sven Botman rose highest to power home a Kieran Trippier corner, scoring his maiden Champions League goal and restoring the two-goal cushion. The goal exemplified Newcastle's set-piece threat, a cornerstone of their success this campaign. For those analyzing the tactical trends, our expert football predictions often highlight how dead-ball proficiency separates contenders from pretenders in Europe.

Late Drama and Historical Context

Qarabag refused to lie down. Dan Burn's handball gave them a late penalty, which Ramsdale saved from Marko Jankovic, only for Cafarguliyev to tap in the rebound. Both sides chased a record-equaling 13th goal of the tie in the closing stages, but Newcastle saw out their fourth straight home win in the competition. The victory matched their all-time highest tally for a single Champions League season (6 wins) and marked the first time since 2004/05 they've won a two-legged European tie by a margin of five or more goals.

Looking Ahead

For Qarabag, the campaign ends with a bittersweet record—they've now conceded 30 goals, the most in a single Champions League season since the competition's 1992 rebranding. Newcastle, meanwhile, march on with confidence. The blend of experienced heads like Trippier and emerging talents like Tonali, who was named Man of the Match, suggests they will be no pushovers in the next round. The draw promises a glamorous fixture, and the Magpies will believe they can cause an upset.

FAQs

Who did Newcastle United beat to reach the Champions League last 16?

Newcastle United defeated Qarabag FK of Azerbaijan. They won the second leg 3-2 at St. James' Park, following a 6-1 away victory in the first leg, for a comprehensive 9-3 aggregate win.

Who will Newcastle United face in the Champions League round of 16?

Newcastle United's opponent in the last 16 will be either FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC. The exact matchup will be determined by the final draw conducted by UEFA.

What record did Qarabag FK set during this Champions League campaign?

Qarabag FK conceded 30 goals in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, setting a new record for the most goals conceded in a single campaign since the competition was rebranded in 1992.

Who was named Man of the Match for Newcastle in the second leg?

Midfielder Sandro Tonali was named Man of the Match. He scored the opening goal—his first ever in the Champions League—and controlled the tempo of the game from the center of the park.

How significant is this achievement for Newcastle United in European competition?

It's a significant milestone. This victory marks the first time since the 2004/05 season (under Graeme Souness) that Newcastle have won a two-legged European tie by a margin of five or more goals, highlighting their dominant performance.