Newcastle Vs Qarabag Fk: Magpies through after 3-2 win at St James' Park
newcastle vs qarabag fk ended with Newcastle United advancing to the Champions League last 16 after a 3-2 win on the night and a 9-3 aggregate score, a result that completes a two-legged play-off and sends Eddie Howe's side into the next round.
Tonali and Joelinton strike early to set the tone
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the third minute at the Leazes End after William Osula's header was saved and the ball was forced over the line, and Joelinton volleyed home seconds later from a Harvey Barnes centre to make it 2-0 inside the opening moments. Those two early goals extended Newcastle's aggregate lead after their 6-1 win in Azerbaijan six days earlier.
Qarabağ fight back after half-time
Camilo Durán reduced the deficit early in the second half, racing through past Dan Burn and finishing past Aaron Ramsdale to give the travelling support a moment to remember. Newcastle responded when Sven Botman headed Kieran Trippier's right-wing corner beyond Mateusz Kochalski to restore a clear aggregate cushion, but Qarabağ would again pull one back late in the half.
Penalty saved, rebound finished
Dan Burn was penalised for handball inside the box in the 56th minute. Ramsdale saved Joni Montiel's spot-kick, but Elvin Cafarguliyev was quickest to react and knocked in the rebound. The game featured several other notable moments from both keepers: Ramsdale acrobatically tipped a Camilo Durán shot over the bar in the first half, and Kochalski denied Harvey Barnes twice later in the match.
Debuts, substitutions and reactions at St James' Park
Howe made six changes to the side and Alex Murphy started, making his full debut and his first outing in the Champions League. Nick Woltemade played a part in a move that sent Jacob Murphy—on his 31st birthday—through on goal, though Murphy drilled wide. Sven Botman was substituted shortly after his header as part of a triple change, and teenage full-back Leo Shahar made his Newcastle debut late on.
Other Champions League play-off outcomes and the last-16 picture
Elsewhere in the play-offs, Inter lost 1-2 at home to Bodo/Glimt, the visitors winning 5-2 on aggregate after goals from Hauge and Evjen before Bastoni pulled one back. Atletico Madrid beat Club Brugge to set up a tie with either Liverpool or Spurs, and Bayer Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Olympiacos to progress 2-0 on aggregate and will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the last 16.
Howe and the squad on progressing
Eddie Howe described reaching the last 16 as a "massive achievement, " saying nothing was given at the start of the Champions League run and praising the squad for navigating the pressure double-header. He added that whoever Newcastle face next will be a tough tie and expressed belief that the team can raise its game.
Ciaran Kelly was at St James' Park and Alex Murphy has shared his reaction to making his debut in the Champions League during the win.
Newcastle now progress to the Champions League last 16 with a 9-3 aggregate victory and will prepare for a two-legged tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.
