On Tuesday, Newcastle United will host Qarabag in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off at St. James’ Park, aiming for a place in the last 16.
The Magpies practically secured the tie last week with a dominant 6–1 win in Azerbaijan. Anthony Gordon made history by becoming the first English player to score a hat-trick in the knockout stage and only the 18th player ever to score four goals in a single Champions League match. With a five-goal advantage, Eddie Howe’s team aims to achieve a club-record sixth win in this season’s Champions League.
Qarabag faces a challenging 2,529-mile journey to the North East, with a discouraging record against English teams. They have lost all five of their previous matches in England with a total score of 19–1 against them. Despite their remarkable achievement of finishing above giants like Napoli and Benfica in the league phase, they have conceded six goals in each of their last two Champions League matches and are now playing for pride.
Newcastle United vs Qarabag – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
- Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
- Last Meeting: Qarabag 1–6 Newcastle (18 Feb 2026), Champions League
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe needs to manage his squad’s freshness while keeping them in form. Defender Malick Thiaw is out due to suspension from a third yellow card. Bruno Guimarães, Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, and Tino Livramento will not play. However, Sven Botman, Yoane Wissa, and Lewis Miley are being checked for fitness and may return.
Qarabag
The visitors will miss experienced defender Bahlul Mustafazada due to an adductor injury that could keep him out for up to 12 weeks. Dani Bolt is expected to fill in for him. Elvin Cafarquliyev, who scored in the first leg, is likely to start at left-back, while forward Camilo Durán looks to add to his goal tally as he chases his fifth goal this season.
Form
Newcastle United
The Magpies have performed impressively in Europe, winning five out of nine Champions League matches. They have scored in 11 straight Champions League games, a record only bettered by Bayern Munich (15). Although they lost 2–1 to Manchester City recently, their European performance remains strong. Historically, teams that win the first leg by five or more goals have always advanced.
Qarabag
Despite defensive issues, with 27 goals conceded in nine matches, Qarabag has made history by becoming the first Azerbaijani club in the Champions League knockout rounds. However, they haven’t won in 10 attempts against English teams in major competitions, with nine losses. They are also one of only three teams this century to concede 6+ goals in consecutive Champions League games.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Botman, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Barnes; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon
Qarabag Predicted XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Montiel, Andrade, Zoubir; Durán
How to Watch Newcastle United vs Qarabag?
You can watch the match live in the UK on TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video.
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