Newcastle United’s journey into the UEFA Champions League knockout phase begins with a historic and gruelling 2,529-mile trip to Baku to face Azerbaijani side Qarabağ on Wednesday.
The Magpies missed out on automatic qualification for the Round of 16 despite a respectable league phase campaign. While Eddie Howe’s men finished 12th in the new-look league phase, they now face the first Azerbaijani side ever to reach the knockout stages of this competition. Despite Qarabağ ending their initial campaign with a heavy 6–0 loss to Liverpool, they proved their worth at home by holding Chelsea to a 2–2 draw earlier in the season. Newcastle arrive in high spirits following back-to-back domestic wins over Tottenham and Aston Villa, looking to translate that momentum into their first-ever Champions League knockout appearance.
Qarabağ vs Newcastle United – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu, Baku
- Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)
- VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
- Last Meeting: N/A
Team News
Qarabağ
The “Horsemen” are likely to be without goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who has been sidelined since mid-November. However, star attackers Leandro Andrade and Camilo Durán—who have combined for over 50% of the team’s European goals this season—are fit and expected to lead the line. Kady Borges is also available for selection despite a recent domestic red card.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe continues to navigate a significant injury crisis. Bruno Guimarães (thigh), Joelinton (groin), Fabian Schär (ankle), and Emil Krafth (knee) are all confirmed absentees. Sven Botman and Lewis Miley face late fitness tests. The attacking burden will fall on Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, who have remarkably been involved in 76% of Newcastle’s Champions League goals this term.
Form
Qarabağ
The Azerbaijani champions arrive in solid domestic form, having recently won three consecutive matches. Notably, they defeated İmişli FK 1–0 last weekend and have scored at least twice in half of their home league phase games, including against Chelsea. However, their defence remains a concern, having conceded an average of 1.8 goals per game during the continental campaign.
Newcastle United
The Magpies have moved back into winning ways recently with a vital 2–1 victory at Tottenham and a clinical 3–1 FA Cup success at Aston Villa. Notably, Newcastle conceded only seven goals during the Champions League league phase—a record bettered only by Arsenal. However, they are looking to end a three-match winless away streak in Europe to take an advantage back to Tyneside.
Predicted Lineups
Qarabağ Predicted XI: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir; Duran
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Ramsey, Tonali; Elanga, Willock, Gordon; Woltemade
How to Watch Qarabağ vs Newcastle United?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT, with streaming available via discovery+ and the discovery+ App.
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