Newcastle Vs Qarabag Fk: Magpies Reach Champions League Last 16 After 3-2 Win (9-3 agg)

The Champions League play-off second leg ended with Newcastle United beating Qarabag 3-2 on the night and 9-3 on aggregate, a result that confirmed Newcastle's place in the last 16. Newcastle Vs Qarabag Fk produced an early flurry of goals, a spirited Qarabağ response, late substitutions, debut appearances and a decisive penalty sequence that completed the tie.

Newcastle Vs Qarabag Fk — match events and decisive moments

There are slightly different minute timings in coverage for Sandro Tonali's opener—one account places the goal in the third minute while another places it in the fourth—but both accounts agree on the sequence that followed. Tonali finished from close range after Mateusz Kochalski could only parry William Osula's header into his path, registering his first goal in the competition. Seconds later Joelinton volleyed home from a Harvey Barnes cross to make it two quick strikes for Newcastle.

Early in the second half Camilo Durán pulled a goal back for Qarabağ, racing away from Dan Burn and finishing past Aaron Ramsdale. Newcastle restored a comfortable margin when Sven Botman headed Kieran Trippier's corner beyond Kochalski, but Qarabağ were awarded a penalty after Dan Burn handled in the box. Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic's spot-kick, only for Elvin Cafarguliyev to follow up and score from the rebound, leaving the final score 3-2 on the night.

How Newcastle navigated the tie and squad changes

Newcastle entered the night already heavily favoured after a 6-1 victory in Azerbaijan the previous week. Manager Eddie Howe made six changes from the side that had narrowly lost at Manchester City at the weekend. That rotation included Alex Murphy, who made his full debut and first Champions League appearance by starting at St. James' Park, and a late debut for teenage full-back Leo Shahar.

Botman came off almost immediately after his goal as part of a triple substitution. William Osula had an early effort saved before Tonali's finish was forced over the line. Joelinton later had another attempt saved, and Newcastle showed signs of both control and lapses of urgency after their early double lead.

Qarabağ's comeback, penalty drama and individual moments

Qarabağ produced a spirited reply. Camilo Durán's second-half run and finish galvanised the away support, and Elvin Cafarguliyev tested Newcastle's defence and goalkeeper multiple times, including forcing a good save from Ramsdale in the 30th minute and scoring the rebound after the saved penalty. Joni Montiel was the penalty taker who was denied by Ramsdale before the rebound goal.

Mateusz Kochalski also made several important stops for Qarabağ, denying Harvey Barnes twice and holding a low strike from the winger. Abdellah Zoubir forced another strong save late on, underlining Qarabağ's improved showing compared with the first leg.

Other match highlights and supporting details from the night

• Nick Woltemade played a role in creating chances, spinning to set up Jacob Murphy, who on his 31st birthday drilled wide.
• Aaron Ramsdale produced several notable saves, including an acrobatic tip over the bar from Camilo Durán's effort.
• Newcastle have now won four of their last five matches across competitions and will face a two-legged tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.
• Alex Murphy shared reaction to making his Champions League debut after the match.

Wider Champions League play-off context and parallel results

Other play-off second-leg ties concluded with notable outcomes: Inter lost 1-2 at home to Bodo, which completed a 2-5 aggregate defeat for Inter — Hauge put the visitors in front, Evjen doubled the lead and Bastoni responded for Inter. Bayer Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Olympiacos but progressed 2-0 on aggregate, meaning Leverkusen will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the last 16. Atletico Madrid beat Club Brugge to set up a tie with either Liverpool or Spurs.

Coverage notes, live access and what comes next

Live audio and text coverage tools were available during the matches. A live match blog was temporarily unavailable at one point. The live page concluded its updates for this block of fixtures and noted that coverage would return at 18: 30 GMT on Wednesday for four more play-off second-leg ties. Commentary from the ground included reporting by Ciaran Kelly in the St. James' Park area and on-the-pitch reactions from players and staff following the final whistle.

Details in post-match coverage vary slightly in timing for certain events, but the match outcome and aggregate progression are consistent: Newcastle United into the last 16 after a 3-2 win over Qarabağ (9-3 on aggregate).