Newcastle United have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the first time in the club’s history after a convincing 9–3 aggregate victory over Azerbaijan’s Qarabag FK.
The Magpies sealed the tie with a 3–2 victory at St James’ Park on Tuesday, completing a dominant performance across both legs of the play-off round.
After already dismantling Qarabag 6–1 in the first leg in Baku last week, Newcastle picked up where they left off in front of their home crowd. Sandro Tonali opened the scoring early, tapping in from close range before Joelintonvolleyed Newcastle further ahead within the first six minutes.
Although Qarabag fought back in the second half with Camilo Durán reducing the deficit and Elvin Cafarquliyev converting a rebound after a saved penalty Newcastle restored their two-goal cushion through Sven Botman’s towering header from a corner. Despite late resistance, the home side held on for a 3–2 victory on the night and a comprehensive 9–3 overall win.
The result marks a major milestone for Newcastle, who had never before progressed this far in Europe’s elite club competition. Manager Eddie Howe and his squad will now turn their attention to the Champions League last-16 draw, set to take place on Friday, February 27, where they will discover their next opponent—likely to be a high-profile European heavyweight such as Barcelona or Chelsea.
Newcastle’s success also adds to an impressive showing by English clubs in the competition, with six sides now confirmed in the round of 16.
Match statistics (second leg):
* Newcastle United 3–2 Qarabag (9–3 agg.)
* Goals: Tonali (4′), Joelinton (6′), Botman (52′); Durán (50′), Cafarquliyev (57′)
The Magpies now prepare for tougher tests ahead as their Champions League journey continues.