Newcastle United win over Qarabag seals 9-3 aggregate victory as Eddie Howe’s side cruise into the Champions League last 16

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe guided his side to a dominant Newcastle United win over Qarabag on Tuesday night, sealing a 3-2 victory at St James’ Park and advancing 9-3 on aggregate to the UEFA Champions League last 16.

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The result confirmed Newcastle United as part of a formidable six-club English contingent in the knockout phase, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.

The tie had effectively been decided in Azerbaijan, where Newcastle United raced into a 5-0 half-time lead before completing a 6-1 rout.

That emphatic first-leg display allowed Howe to rotate his squad, with Anthony Gordon, who scored four times in the opener, named among the substitutes.

Newcastle United nonetheless started briskly. Sandro Tonali struck first, reacting sharply after Dan Burn’s effort was saved.

Joelinton doubled the lead moments later, calmly finishing from Harvey Barnes’ cross to extend the aggregate advantage.

Qarabag, who had earlier defeated Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase, responded with resilience after the interval.

Camilo Duran capitalised on defensive hesitation to pull one back before Burn conceded a penalty for handball.

Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s spot-kick, but Elvin Jafarguliyev converted the rebound.

In between those goals, Sven Botman rose powerfully to head home from a corner, restoring Newcastle United’s control of the contest.

Qarabag’s campaign ended with an unwanted record, having conceded 30 goals in a single Champions League season, the highest total in the competition’s history.

Leverkusen Advance Despite Flat Display

In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen progressed to the last 16 after a goalless draw at home to Olympiacos secured a 2-0 aggregate win.

Head coach Kasper Hjulmand’s side relied on their first-leg advantage and rarely appeared troubled, although captain Robert Andrich admitted the performance lacked sharpness.

Bayer Leverkusen, who last won a two-legged Champions League knockout tie en route to the 2002 final, will now face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.

While Newcastle United celebrated a powerful statement of intent, Leverkusen’s progress came with fewer fireworks.

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Both clubs, however, remain firmly in the race for European glory as the competition intensifies.