Newcastle United secured their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 following a 3-2 victory over Qarabag FK on Tuesday, completing a 9-3 aggregate triumph over the Azeri champions.
The Magpies will join a six-strong English contingent in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
After last week’s 5,000-mile round trip ended in a 6-1 rout at St James’ Park, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe rotated his squad, resting four-goal hero Anthony Gordon among others.
Despite the rotation, the Magpies made a blistering start, scoring twice inside six minutes. Sandro Tonali capitalized on a rebound after Dan Burn’s shot was saved, before Joelinton converted Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Qarabag, who had already upset Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the group stage, pulled two late goals in the second half. Camilo Duran beat Burn to score, and although Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty, Elvin Jafarguliyev scored on the rebound.
In between Qarabag’s strikes, Sven Botman powered in a header from a corner, maintaining Newcastle’s dominance. The Azeri side’s 30 goals conceded this season now sets a new single-season Champions League record.
With the win, Newcastle can now turn their attention to the last 16, continuing their pursuit of European glory.
