Newcastle 3 Qarabag 2 – Tuesday 24 February 2026 8pm
Instant fan/writer reaction from some of our regular contributors on The Mag.
Nat Seaton:
‘Another Champions League win on a strange night at SJP, being in a position of having a FIVE goal lead.
On to the next round where I’d prefer to play Chelsea as I think we could take them over the two legs.
Saturday 3pm at home for a change, looking forward to getting back to the league at home and hopefully a good performance to bring us a vital win.’
Simon Ritter:
‘For most of the second leg, the fare was as flat as a Shrove Tuesday pancake.
Tonali was excellent and Alex Murphy calmness personified. Great to see him play with assurance in two defensive roles.
None of the nominal central strikers made a case for inclusion next time out.
Hall and Gordon added much-needed pace after the interval but what looked to be a dead rubber turned into just that after only 10 minutes at St James’ Park.’
Billy Miller:
‘After 2 goals in 6 minutes I thought we could be looking at double figures (not just in the tie but on the night).
We only added a solitary goal and Qarabag made the night competitive.
Solid 90 minutes from Alex Murphy, although I think he looks more of a centre back than left back.
After Neave’s energetic cameo last week I thought he may start and certainly expected him to come on for a good chunk of the second half. I appreciate Wissa needs minutes on his return but it felt like a big opportunity for the local lad to make his mark.
In the end we didn’t see any of him but Shahar came on and did well in the last 5 minutes.’
Matt Busby said…:
‘Not sure we’ve learned a right lot over 180 minutes against the Azerbaijan champions.
That said, you can only beat what’s in front of you and we won both games at a canter.
Bit of a tricky second half for Dan Burn. Glad it happened when the tie was won.
Osula demonstrating once again that he’s not good enough.
Big shout out to Alex Murphy who gave a very good account of himself this evening. Well done that young man.’
David Punton:
‘A blistering start to the game sealed everything.
It was pretty much over as a contest already but Tonali and Joelinton gave them a mountain to climb.
We find ourselves in the last sixteen of the UEFA Champions League. Incredible.
The second half was always bound to see a drop off and the team from Baku managed to play for some pride.
Job done – but much harder tests lie in ahead.’
Tony Mallabar:
‘A 3-2 victory, I am taking that all day and a trip to Chelsea in the next round…
Once again, for a dead rubber game the East Stand was bouncing.
Only downside was the headless chicken getting a run out when it was the perfect opportunity to give young Sean Neave a run out.’
GToon:
‘Always going to be a difficult game tbh.
With the tie over, there’s more to lose if a player doesn’t play well, rather than hammer an already defeated opponent.
Alex Murphy did well I thought and looked comfortable on the ball, especially at LCB.
Well we won, so that’s all that counts.’
Mark Jankowski:
‘Newcastle came flying out of the traps in the opening minutes of the game and quickly wrapped up the tie.
The remainder of the game played out like a friendly from our perspective.
A couple of good showings from Joelinton and Tonali in the middle of the pitch were some of the highlights, along with an electric cameo from Anthony Gordon.
Not much effort expended ahead of a couple of crucial Premier League home games.’
Newcastle 3 Qarabag 2 – Tuesday 24 February 2026 8pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Tonali 4, Joelinton 6, Botman 52
Qarabag FK:
Duran 50, Ceferquliyev 57
Possession was Newcastle 66% Qarabag FK 34%
Total shots were Newcastle 19 Qarabag FK 13
Shots on target were Newcastle 8 Qarabag FK 6
Corners were Newcastle 9 Qarabag FK 6
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 36 Qarabag FK 20
Newcastle team v Qarabag FK:
Ramsdale, Trippier (Hall 54), Botman (Willock 54), Burn, Alex Murphy, Tonali, Joelinton (Gordon 54), Barnes, Jacob Murphy (Shahar 87), Osula (Wissa 73), Woltemade
Unused Subs:
Pope, Harris, Ruddy, Neave, Elanga
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