Newcastle United booked their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after completing an emphatic 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabağ at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side followed up last week’s 6-1 win in Azerbaijan with a 3-2 success on the night, racing into an early two-goal lead and showing enough composure to see off a spirited response from the visitors.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring after just four minutes, reacting quickest after the Qarabağ goalkeeper could only parry a header into his path. The Italian midfielder then turned provider moments later as Newcastle doubled their advantage, with Joelinton volleying home from close range.
Qarabağ, Azerbaijan Premier League champions, produced a far more competitive display than in the first leg and reduced the deficit shortly after the interval through Camilo Durán, who finished clinically after breaking clear of the defence.
Newcastle restored their cushion when Sven Botman headed in from a corner, but the visitors refused to fade quietly. Elvin Cəfərquliyev reacted fastest to convert the rebound after a penalty had been saved, ensuring a tense finish despite the commanding aggregate scoreline.
The Magpies pressed for a fourth goal but ultimately settled for a controlled victory that underlined their growing confidence on Europe’s biggest stage.
The result sees Howe’s side reach the Champions League knockout stages for only the second time in the club’s history, setting up a last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea, with the draw scheduled for Friday.
With six wins in the competition this season, Newcastle supporters are daring to dream as European nights return in full voice to Tyneside.
