Newcastle United secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 3-2 victory over Qarabağ in the second leg of the knockout playoff, completing a 9-3 aggregate triumph. The Magpies, who won the first leg 6-1 in Baku, struck twice in the opening six minutes at St. James’ Park to ease into the next round. Eddie Howe expressed confidence in his team's potential to progress further in the competition.
Newcastle United's journey in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League reached a milestone as they advanced to the round of 16 for the first time in four attempts. The second leg against Qarabağ FK at St. James’ Park on February 24, 2026, ended 3-2 in favor of the hosts, following a dominant 6-1 first-leg win in Azerbaijan. This aggregate score of 9-3 marked a comprehensive victory, ensuring Newcastle joined five other Premier League sides—Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham—in Friday's draw.
The match began explosively for Newcastle, with Sandro Tonali opening the scoring in the fifth minute after Dan Burn's shot was blocked and Will Osula's header kept out. Joelinton doubled the lead seconds later, volleying home Harvey Barnes' cross. Qarabağ responded in the second half, with Camilo Durán beating goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale at his near post. Sven Botman restored the two-goal cushion with a header from a corner, but Elvin Jafarguliyev converted a penalty rebound after Ramsdale's save on Dan Burn's handball, making it 3-2 on the night.
Despite the visitors' improved fight, Newcastle managed the game comfortably. Manager Eddie Howe praised his squad's achievement, stating, “It’s a massive achievement for us to get to the last 16. I don’t care who you play at this stage, it’s a tough draw.” He added optimism for the future: “We want to go as far as we can and why not? I think we’re good enough to do it.” Qarabağ coach Gurban Gurbanov lauded his players' effort: “I would like to thank my players because they had a long Champions League campaign... I am very satisfied with their game because their performance was great.”
Anthony Gordon, who scored four goals in the first leg including a record-breaking hat-trick, was rested for this fixture. Newcastle's potential round of 16 opponents include Chelsea or Barcelona, with the draw set for February 27. This progression boosts the Premier League's representation, now at six teams in the knockout stage.
