Newcastle overpower Qarabag, advance 9-3 on aggregate into Champions League last 16

Newcastle United sealed their place in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League last 16 after a two-leg playoff against Qarabağ FK produced a 9-3 aggregate scoreline, with a commanding 6-1 win in Baku on Feb 18, 2026 followed by a 3-2 finish at St James' Park on Feb 24, 2026. Anthony Gordon’s four-goal first-half blitz in the opening leg set the tone, and despite a spirited fightback from Qarabağ in the return, the Magpies closed out the tie comfortably.

Match facts and quick timeline

Attendance at St James' Park was recorded at around 50,068 for the second leg.

How the tie unfolded

First leg, Baku — Newcastle ran riot

Newcastle arrived in Baku and delivered a near-perfect attacking performance, scoring six times and effectively deciding the tie inside 45 minutes. Anthony Gordon was the standout, scoring four times before half-time, two of those from the penalty spot, and wreaking havoc on Qarabağ’s backline. The result left Newcastle with a cushion so large that the second leg became largely about managing minutes and momentum.

Second leg, St James' Park — a lively finish, but no comeback

At St James' Park, Newcastle struck early through Sandro Tonali and Joelinton inside the opening six minutes, a rapid double that reinforced control. Qarabağ fought back in the second half, with Camilo Durán and Elvin Cafarquliyev pulling goals back and briefly unsettling the crowd, but Sven Botman’s header restored a two-goal cushion on aggregate. The home crowd experienced nervous moments, yet the managerial rotation and game management paid off.

"A tie is played over two legs, and we took full advantage in Baku," reflected one Newcastle observer after the second match, capturing both the ruthlessness of the first leg, and the caution exercised at St James' Park.

Tactical read: what worked and what didn’t

• Newcastle’s high tempo, direct attacking in the first leg overwhelmed Qarabağ, with Gordon exploiting space behind the defense. Quick transitions and clinical finishing made the difference.
• In the second leg, Newcastle prioritized control and smart substitutions, protecting their aggregate advantage, while still pressing when opportunities appeared.
• Qarabağ showed resilience and tactical adaptability, particularly in the second half at St James' Park, but defensive lapses in Baku proved decisive.

Key performers

• Anthony Gordon — four goals in the first leg, instantly the central figure in the tie and the headline story of the Baku rout.
• Sandro Tonali — orchestrated midfield control and opened scoring in the second leg.
• Joelinton — quick second-minute strike in the return, helping to deflate any early hope of a Qarabağ comeback.
• Sven Botman — headed home a crucial away goal in the return leg to restore the margin.
• Camilo Durán and Elvin Cafarquliyev — deserved credit for Qarabağ’s second-leg resurgence, supplying the goals that made the night competitive.

Broader context and viewpoints

For Newcastle supporters and club leadership

• Progression into the Champions League last 16 represents a significant step in the club’s continental ambitions for the season, offering lucrative fixtures and the chance to measure the squad against Europe’s elite.
• The tie also raised questions about squad depth and rotation, as domestic form and fixture congestion remain talking points among supporters and analysts.

For Qarabağ and Azerbaijani football

• Qarabağ reached a high-profile stage against top opposition, and despite the heavy first-leg defeat, their performance in the return leg showed quality and character. The club’s continued presence in European competition highlights the progress of Azerbaijani football on the continental stage.

Pundits and neutral observers

• Pundits lauded Newcastle’s attacking potency, particularly in Baku, while noting that the gulf in resources and squad depth between a top Premier League side and a smaller European champion was on display.
• Critics urged Newcastle to maintain focus on domestic competition, warning that European progress can strain resources and disrupt league momentum.

Statistical snapshot

• Aggregate score: Newcastle 9, Qarabağ 3.
• First-leg standout: Anthony Gordon, 4 goals.
• Second-leg quickfire start: goals in the 4th and 6th minutes gave Newcastle early control.
• Attendance (2nd leg): approximately 50,068.

What this means next

Newcastle advance to the Champions League last 16, where tougher opposition awaits and the draw will determine whether the Magpies face one of Europe’s traditional giants or a domestic rival from another top league. For Qarabağ, the tie will be evaluated as both a learning experience and a platform: competing at this level attracts attention, revenue, and the chance to build for future campaigns.

Tactical appendix (simple formations and match summary)

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First leg (Baku):
Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle

• Newcastle: high press, three central midfielders, wing overload; Gordon isolated defenders and finished clinically.

Second leg (St James' Park):
Newcastle 3-2 Qarabag

• Newcastle: smarter rotation, focus on control; early pressing yielded quick goals, then match management.
  ```

Final assessment

Across two matches Newcastle demonstrated both ruthlessness and control. The 6-1 performance in Baku effectively decided the tie, and while Qarabağ offered a spirited response in Newcastle, the aggregate result left little doubt. The tie showcased individual moments of brilliance, tactical swings, and the familiar truth of European knockout football: a single dominant performance can upend expectations, and depth of squad often determines who advances.

By David Anderson, veteran football journalist