Newcastle Set for Champions League Clash Against Qarabag
Newcastle United will face Qarabag in the Champions League knockout playoffs. Eddie Howe’s squad has qualified for this stage after finishing 12th in the group phase. This move misses out on direct advancement for the eight best teams, which includes all five other Premier League clubs. The first leg of the playoff is set to take place in Azerbaijan on either February 16 or 17. The second leg will occur at St. James’ Park on February 24 or 25.
Newcastle’s Journey in the Champions League
Newcastle’s path to the knockout stage has been challenging. They must travel over 3,000 miles to Azerbaijan for the initial match against Qarabag. If successful, the team will progress to meet either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last 16.
Upcoming Match Details
- First Leg: February 16 or 17, 2024, in Azerbaijan
- Second Leg: February 24 or 25, 2024, at St. James’ Park
Other Champions League Playoff Fixtures
Several exciting matchups will accompany Newcastle’s challenge. Other notable fixtures include:
- Real Madrid vs. Benfica
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Monaco
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos
- Galatasaray vs. Juventus
- Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan
Performance Insights
Qarabag demonstrated vulnerabilities in their last match. They suffered a significant 6-0 defeat to Liverpool but had earlier managed a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. This inconsistency will be a factor as Newcastle prepares for the clash.
The winners of the knockout playoffs will join the top eight teams from the group phase. These teams include Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City. The stakes are high, and every match matters as Newcastle aims to solidify its place in European football.
