Newcastle United have stormed into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after a thrilling two-leg tie against Qarabag FK, prevailing 9-3 on aggregate thanks to a dramatic 3-2 win at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
The tie was all but over before kick-off in Newcastle. The Magpies carried a commanding 6-1 advantage from the first leg in Baku, and they wasted no time reinforcing that dominance at home — racing into a 2-0 lead inside six minutes through quickfire goals.
Qarabag showed spirit in the second half by pulling goals back, but Newcastle held firm, with Sven Botman adding to the tally and local fans celebrating the club’s first successful progression to the knockout stage proper.
Manager Eddie Howe highlighted the importance of the victory in European competition, while attention already turns to a tantalising last-16 draw that could pit Newcastle against heavyweights like Barcelona or Chelsea.
St James’ Park was electric, the goals came early, and the Magpies fans will feel this was a statement night — but the real challenge starts in the next round.
