UCL: Newcastle United 3-2 Qarabag (9-3 agg): Magpies seal champions league last-16 spot in style

Newcastle United eased into the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a composed 3-2 victory over Qarabag FK at St James’ Park, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate triumph, Sport360NG reports.

Having dismantled the Azerbaijani champions 6-1 in Baku last week, Eddie Howe’s men began the second leg with a commanding advantage and quickly underlined their superiority on home soil.

Despite rotating his squad, Howe had stressed the importance of maintaining momentum — and his players responded almost immediately.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The hosts were ahead inside four minutes. Sandro Tonali reacted quickest after goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski could only push William Osula’s header into his path, allowing the Italian to convert from close range for his first Champions League goal.

Newcastle doubled their lead moments later. Harvey Barnes drove a low cross across the face of goal and Joelinton met it with a crisp volley, leaving the visitors reeling once again.

Unlike the first leg, however, Qarabag refused to unravel.

Visitors Show Resilience

The Azerbaijan Premier League holders regrouped and were rewarded after the interval. Camilo Duran evaded Dan Burn before finishing confidently beyond Aaron Ramsdale, giving the travelling supporters, who had made the 2,500-mile trip, a moment of celebration.

Newcastle swiftly restored their seven-goal cushion when Sven Botman rose highest to power home a header from Kieran Trippier’s corner.

Yet Qarabag continued to compete. A handball by Burn led to a penalty, but Ramsdale denied Marko Jankovic from the spot. Elvin Cafarguliyev reacted fastest to the rebound to reduce the deficit once more on the night.

Job Completed

While Newcastle pressed for further goals, the tie was long beyond doubt. The Magpies comfortably saw out proceedings to confirm a comprehensive aggregate victory and secure their place in the knockout stages.

They will now face either FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC in the round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday at 11:00 GMT.

For Howe’s side, the result marks another confident step in their European campaign — achieved with authority and valuable squad rotation ahead of tougher tests to come.