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UEFA Champions League
8:00 PMFebruary 24, 2026
Spherical of 32
Newcastle*3 – 2
HT:(2 – 0)
Combination:(9 – 3)
KarabaghSt James’ Park
Referee: Davide Massa, Italy
Newcastle
World Class
0
Stable
0
Bang Common
0
Fortunate
0
Stunning
0
Karabagh
World Class
0
Stable
0
Bang Common
0
Fortunate
0
Stunning
0
Match Stats
Lineups
Head-2-Head
Standings
Flip off spoiler to view match statistics
2.78
Anticipated targets (xG)
1.30
Passing
538 (89%)
Correct passes
259 (80%)
Flip off spoiler to view match occasions
UEFA Champions League Standings – UEFA Champions League
TotalHomeAway
Qualification/Relegation
Promotion – Champions League (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)Promotion – Champions League (Play Offs: 1/16-finals)
Newcastle United endured a late scare however in the end secured a significant 3-2 victory over Qarabag at St James’ Park, with Sandro Tonali’s early opener setting the tone for an exhilarating UEFA Champions League conflict.
The Magpies, with three wins from their final 5 outings, entered this Champions League Spherical of 16 first leg as favourites. They confronted an unpredictable Qarabag facet, who had proven resilience regardless of combined latest kind.
Newcastle burst out of the blocks with an electrical begin. Within the 4th minute, Sandro Tonali guided house a precision end. He latched onto a move from W. Osula, sending the house crowd into raptures.
Simply two minutes later, within the sixth minute, the lead was doubled. Joelinton powerfully struck the ball into the web after an outstanding help from Harvey Barnes. This gave Newcastle a dream opening to the tie.
The primary half noticed Newcastle dominate possession with 66%. They created quite a few probabilities. Qarabag struggled to search out their rhythm, dealing with a major two-goal shortfall by the break.
After the interval, Qarabag emerged with renewed dedication. They knew an instantaneous response was very important. Their efforts rapidly paid off, injecting recent pressure into the match.
Within the 51st minute, Camilo Duran pulled one again for Qarabag. He completed nicely after an help from J. Montiel. The purpose provided hope for the guests and quieted the St James’ Park devoted.
Nonetheless, Newcastle’s reply was swift. Simply seconds later, within the 52nd minute, Sven Botman restored the two-goal benefit. He headed in from a Kieran Trippier supply. Newcastle’s supervisor then made early strategic substitutions, bringing off Trippier, Botman, and Joelinton.
Qarabag refused to give up. Within the 57th minute, they earned a penalty. M. Jankovic stepped up, however his spot-kick was saved. From the fast rebound, Elvin Cafarquliyev was alert, smashing the ball house for 3-2.
Newcastle managed the ball with 66% possession, registering 19 complete photographs (8 heading in the right direction). Their anticipated targets (xG) stood at 2.78. Qarabag, with 34% possession, managed 13 photographs (6 heading in the right direction) and an xG of 1.3.
This slender 3-2 victory offers Newcastle a slender benefit heading into the essential second leg. Qarabag’s late fightback ensures this Champions League tie stays large open, promising one other fascinating encounter.
