UCL: Things to know as Qarabag takes on Newcastle
Newcastle United’s pursuit of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 spot continues on Wednesday in Baku as they take on surprise package Qarabağ in the first leg of their
Newcastle United’s pursuit of a UEFA Champions League round of 16 spot continues on Wednesday in Baku as they take on surprise package Qarabağ in the first leg of their playoff tie.
The Magpies ended the league phase with a 1–1 draw away at holders Paris Saint-Germain, finishing with 14 points — just short of an automatic top-eight finish. That result forced Newcastle into the playoff round, where they have drawn a seemingly favourable opponent in Qarabağ.
Few expected the Azerbaijan side to advance beyond the group stage this season, but consecutive wins early in the competition set the tone for their campaign. A crucial victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on the penultimate matchday all but secured their place in the playoffs. Qarabağ will hope for a smoother trip to England next week, after suffering a heavy 6–0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last month.
While Chelsea managed only a draw in Baku during the group phase, Newcastle cannot afford complacency. Eddie Howe’s side has struggled away from home this season, but has earned strong results against PSG, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, highlighting their potential to challenge Qarabağ.
Match Details:
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Stadium: Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18
Kick-off Time: 5:45 p.m. GMT / 12:45 p.m. ET / 9:45 a.m. PT
Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway)
VAR: Rob Dieperink (Netherlands)
Head-to-Head:
This marks the first competitive meeting between Qarabağ and Newcastle United.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Qarabağ: W W L W L
Newcastle: W W L L L
Recent Matches:
* Mil-Mugan 0–1 Qarabağ
* Aston Villa 1–3 Newcastle
* Shamakhi 1–2 Qarabağ
* Tottenham 1–2 Newcastle
* Shamakhi 2–1 Qarabağ
* Newcastle 2–3 Brentford
* Qarabağ 1–0 Turan
Read Also: Newcastle host Man City in FA Cup Fifth Round
* Man City 3–1 Newcastle
* Liverpool 6–0 Qarabağ
* Liverpool 4–1 Newcastle
Qarabağ Team News:
The hosts are expected to have a full squad available for the first leg, although Marko Janković, Kevin Medina, and Matheus Silva are at risk of suspension if they pick up yellow cards.
Key attackers Camilo Durán and Leandro Andrade are not in danger of suspension and have been crucial for Qarabağ, contributing seven goals between them in the group phase.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev; Bicalho, Janković; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Durán
Newcastle Team News:
Captain Bruno Guimarães is sidelined for at least six weeks with a thigh injury, placing additional responsibility on Sandro Tonali, who shone against Aston Villa. Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock are expected to join Tonali in midfield.
Joelinton remains unavailable, with Lewis Miley, Yoane Wissa, and Sven Botman also doubtful. Tino Livramento is likely to return in March, and Fabian Schär could be available later in the season.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Match Outlook:
Both teams are entering uncharted territory, with Newcastle looking to overcome the group stage hurdle after their 2023–24 Champions League exit. Howe may adopt a cautious approach in Baku to avoid conceding early, mindful of Qarabağ’s ability to strike quickly in transition.
Score Prediction: Qarabağ 1-1 Newcastle
This fixture sets the stage for a decisive return leg at St. James’ Park next week, where Newcastle will aim to secure their first-ever progression to the Champions League round of 16.
