Newcastle United 3-2 Qarabağ FK (Agg 9-3): Newcastle Cruise Into Champions League

Eddie Howe led Newcastle United into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after a 3-2 victory over Qarabag sealed a commanding 9-3 aggregate win. The Magpies completed the job confidently after their dominant 6-1 first-leg performance in Azerbaijan and now await a last-16 showdown against either Chelsea FC or FC Barcelona, with the draw scheduled for Friday.

For Newcastle, the second leg was less about survival and more about professionalism. With a five-goal advantage from the first match, Howe’s side needed only composure and discipline to progress, but they still delivered an energetic performance in front of their home supporters.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Despite their comfortable advantage, Newcastle showed no signs of complacency and began the match with intensity and attacking intent. The Magpies effectively killed off any remote hopes of a Qarabag comeback within the opening minutes.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring early with a well-taken goal that reflected Newcastle’s sharp start. Just moments later, Joelinton doubled the lead, finishing confidently to make it 2-0 inside six minutes.

The quickfire goals not only extended Newcastle’s aggregate lead but also allowed the team to settle into a controlled rhythm. Newcastle dominated possession and dictated the tempo, forcing Qarabag onto the defensive for long stretches of the first half.

The midfield trio controlled the game effectively, recycling possession and preventing Qarabag from building sustained attacks. Newcastle’s defensive line also remained compact, limiting space for the visitors to exploit.

Qarabag Show Fighting Spirit

To their credit, Qarabag continued to push forward and showed the attacking quality that had helped them reach this stage of the competition.

Camilo Duran pulled a goal back with a composed finish that briefly lifted the visitors’ confidence and earned appreciation from sections of the home crowd.

However, any hopes of momentum were quickly extinguished when Sven Botman restored Newcastle’s two-goal advantage. The Dutch defender rose highest to head home, ensuring Newcastle remained firmly in control of both the match and the tie.

The goal highlighted Newcastle’s strength from set pieces and their ability to respond immediately when challenged.

Ramsdale Keeps Newcastle Ahead

Qarabag refused to give up and continued to create opportunities during the second half. Their persistence was rewarded when they were awarded a penalty after a defensive error.

Aaron Ramsdale produced an important save to deny Marko Jankovic from the spot, preventing Qarabag from gaining further momentum.

Although Elvin Cafarguliyev eventually scored from the rebound, Newcastle’s overall control of the tie was never seriously threatened.

The closing stages of the match became more open as both teams created chances, but Newcastle maintained enough discipline to secure the victory.

Howe and Tonali Demand More

Despite progressing comfortably, Newcastle’s players and coaching staff were not entirely satisfied with the performance.

Midfielder Sandro Tonali admitted the team lost intensity after establishing an early lead and insisted the players must improve.

Manager Eddie Howe agreed with that assessment, explaining that fatigue and a busy fixture schedule affected Newcastle’s performance in the second half. The Magpies have played a demanding run of matches without significant rest, including tough domestic fixtures.

Howe acknowledged that the team eased off after going two goals ahead, allowing the game to become more open than he would have liked. While the manager accepted that such reactions are natural with a large aggregate advantage, he stressed the importance of maintaining focus against stronger opponents.

Newcastle’s European Progress

Newcastle’s qualification represents an important milestone in the club’s recent development under Eddie Howe. Reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League demonstrates the progress made by the team in recent seasons.

Across both legs, Newcastle showed impressive attacking quality, scoring nine goals and creating numerous chances. Their ability to control matches while remaining dangerous in attack suggests they could be a difficult opponent in the next round.

The result also confirms a strong showing from English clubs in the competition. Newcastle join:

• Arsenal FC
• Manchester City FC
• Liverpool FC
• Tottenham Hotspur FC
• Chelsea FC

in the Champions League last 16.

Having six Premier League teams in the knockout stage underlines the strength and depth of English football in European competition this season.

Bigger Tests Ahead

While Newcastle progressed with ease against Qarabag, the next round will present a much tougher challenge. A potential clash with Chelsea or Barcelona would test the Magpies’ defensive organization, tactical discipline and squad depth.

Nevertheless, Newcastle’s performances across both legs suggest they are capable of competing with Europe’s elite. Their attacking confidence, physical intensity and tactical structure make them a dangerous opponent.

With momentum building and belief growing, Newcastle United’s Champions League journey is far from over. If Eddie Howe’s side can maintain their early intensity while improving consistency, they could emerge as one of the surprise packages of the tournament.

Source: Skysports.com

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