Newcastle United will start their UEFA Champions League knockout phase with a long journey of 2,529 miles to Baku to face Qarabağ on Wednesday.
Although the Magpies did not qualify directly for the Round of 16, they performed well in the league phase, finishing 12th. They will face the first Azerbaijani team to reach this stage of the competition. Qarabağ experienced a tough end to their group stage with a 6–0 loss to Liverpool but held Chelsea to a 2–2 draw at home earlier. Newcastle comes into this match with confidence after two domestic wins over Tottenham and Aston Villa, aiming for their first Champions League knockout round experience.
Qarabağ vs Newcastle United – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu, Baku
- Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
- Last Meeting: N/A
Team News
Qarabağ
Qarabağ may be without goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who has been out since mid-November. However, key players Leandro Andrade and Camilo Durán, who have scored over 50% of the team’s European goals this season, are fit and ready to play. Kady Borges is also available despite receiving a red card in a recent domestic match.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is dealing with a significant injury situation. Bruno Guimarães (thigh), Joelinton (groin), Fabian Schär (ankle), and Emil Krafth (knee) will not be playing. Sven Botman and Lewis Miley will undergo late fitness tests. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes will lead the attack, having been involved in 76% of Newcastle’s Champions League goals this season.
Form
Qarabağ
The Azerbaijani champions have been in good domestic form recently, winning three straight matches. They won 1–0 against İmişli FK last weekend and have scored at least two goals in half of their home league phase games, including the match against Chelsea. However, their defense is concerning, allowing an average of 1.8 goals per game in the continental competition.
Newcastle United
The Magpies have returned to winning form with a 2–1 victory at Tottenham and a 3–1 win in the FA Cup against Aston Villa. Notably, they conceded only seven goals in the Champions League league phase, a record surpassed only by Arsenal. Nonetheless, they’re looking to break a three-match winless streak in away matches in Europe to gain an advantage heading back to Tyneside.
Predicted Lineups
Qarabağ Predicted XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali; Elanga, Willock, Gordon; Woltemade
How to Watch Qarabağ vs Newcastle United?
The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 17:00 GMT, with streaming available through discovery+ and the discovery+ App.
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