Newcastle United secured Champions League round of 16 with a deserved 3-2 victory over Azerbaijani side Qarabag FK at St. James' Park. The match, the second leg of their playoff tie, saw the Magpies complete a commanding 9-3 aggregate win, sending a strong message to their opponents in the knockout stages.
A fiery start and absolute control
The home side wasted no time in opening the scoring, capitalizing on home advantage and the vibrant atmosphere created by their fans. In the fourth minute, Italian star Sandro Tonali the scoring with a well-placed shot, before his Brazilian teammate Joelinton doubled the lead in the sixth minute, putting Newcastle in a commanding position for the next round amidst a surprising defensive collapse from the visitors.
The excitement of the second half and the attempts to come back
Despite falling behind, Qarabag showed fighting spirit in the second half, with Camilo Duran pulling a goal back in the 50th minute. However, Newcastle responded quickly and decisively through Dutch defender Sven Botman , who scored their third goal in the 52nd minute, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. The 57th minute saw a dramatic climax when the referee awarded a penalty to the Azerbaijani side. Marko Jankovic stepped up to take it, but goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a brilliant save. However, the rebound fell to Alvin Seferkliev, who slotted it home to score his team's second goal.
European nights return to northern England
This qualification marks a pivotal moment in Newcastle United's recent history, reflecting the success of the club's sporting project in returning to the elite of European football. Champions League matches at St. James' Park have a special character thanks to the unparalleled passion of the fans, making the stadium an impenetrable fortress.
Economic and sporting gains
Beyond the numerical advantage, reaching the Round of 16 guarantees a significant financial boost for the club through television broadcasting revenue and prize money awarded by UEFA. This continental presence also enhances the club's appeal to attract top international players, raising the bar for competing for domestic and continental titles in the near future.
