Newcastle Reach Champions League Last 16 – Beat Qarabag 3-2 | UEFA Champions League 2024/25
Newcastle United secured their place in the Champions League last 16 for the first time, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabag with a 3-2 win at St James’ Park on .
The tie was effectively decided after Newcastle’s impressive 6-1 victory in the first leg in Baku, and Eddie Howe’s side quickly asserted their control on home soil. Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed swiftly by a goal from Joelinton just two minutes later, setting the tone for a comfortable evening despite a spirited fightback from the Azerbaijani champions.
While Camilo Duran and Elvin Jafarguliyev found the net for Qarabag, a header from Sven Botman in the 52nd minute ensured Newcastle’s progression. The result means the Premier League will boast six teams in the knockout stages – Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, and now Newcastle – underlining the league’s strength in European competition.
Newcastle’s reward for their success is a last-16 tie against either Chelsea or Barcelona, with the draw scheduled for . The prospect of facing either of these European giants represents a significant step up in challenge for Howe’s team, but one they will embrace after achieving their primary objective for the campaign: reaching the knockout phase.
Howe handed a first senior start to 21-year-old Galway defender Alex Murphy, demonstrating the manager’s willingness to integrate young talent into the squad. However, it was the familiar firepower of Tonali and Joelinton that ignited the match, with both players finding the net within the opening six minutes.
Tonali’s opener came after Dan Burn’s initial shot was blocked, and Will Osula’s subsequent header was saved by Mateusz Kochalski. The rebound fell kindly to Tonali, who calmly slotted the ball home. Joelinton then doubled the advantage moments later, capitalizing on a turnover in possession and unleashing a powerful volley past Kochalski.
Despite the early setback, Qarabag showed resilience and began to create opportunities. Jafarguliyev forced Aaron Ramsdale into a save from a tight angle, and Kochalski proved his worth at the other end, denying Botman’s header from a Kieran Trippier corner just before halftime. Duran also tested Ramsdale with a well-struck shot that the goalkeeper tipped over the crossbar.
The second half saw a more competitive contest. Duran pulled a goal back for Qarabag in the 51st minute, skillfully maneuvering past Burn before firing past Ramsdale. However, Newcastle’s response was immediate, with Botman restoring the two-goal cushion just seconds later, heading home Trippier’s corner.
Qarabag continued to press, and were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute after Pedro Bicalho’s cross struck Burn’s arm. Ramsdale initially saved Marko Jankovic’s spot-kick, but Jafarguliyev was on hand to convert the rebound.
The game became increasingly open, with both sides creating chances. Ramsdale made a crucial save to deny Abdellah Zoubir from leveling the score, and opportunities arose for both teams to add to their tally, but neither could capitalize.
Howe acknowledged Qarabag’s improved performance, stating, “They stabilised and made it difficult for us.” He also emphasized the team’s focus on improvement, adding, “There’s a lot we can improve on, but this is an amazing competition and the most important thing is that we’re in the last 16.”
Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov had urged his players to be “more careful and more responsible” following their heavy defeat in Baku, and they certainly showed greater determination at St James’ Park. Despite the aggregate scoreline, their performance offered a glimpse of the quality that has taken them to this stage of the competition.
Newcastle’s victory marks a significant milestone for the club, representing their first appearance in the Champions League last 16. The team’s success is a testament to Howe’s leadership and the players’ commitment, and sets the stage for an exciting knockout phase against either Chelsea or Barcelona. The Premier League’s strong representation in the competition further underscores its dominance in European football.