It took just four pulsating minutes for Newcastle United to stamp their authority in front of a buzzing St. James' Park, as the Magpies opened the floodgates in their UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Qarabag.
Magpies soar early and never look back
Sandro Tonali was the man of the moment, latching onto a rebound from Sven Botman’s thumping header and finding the net with poise and precision. The energy barely settled before Newcastle doubled their early advantage, when Harvey Barnes whipped over a pinpoint cross that found Joelinton lurking at the far post—his powerful volley sending the home crowd into raptures.
This explosive start marked one of only three times since last season that a team surged 2-0 up within the first six minutes of a Champions League tie—all English clubs. Previous instances saw Aston Villa stun Celtic in January, and Liverpool launch an onslaught against Atletico Madrid in September, underlining the Premier League's fast-starting approach on Europe’s grandest stage.
Qarabag fight back
Despite Newcastle's aggregate cushion from their awe-inspiring 6-1 victory in Azerbaijan, Qarabag refused to bow out without a fight. Five minutes after the interval, the visitors carved open the home defense with a moment of quality, as Joni Montiel’s slick flick set Camilo Duran racing through on goal. Duran slotted the ball past Aaron Ramsdale at the near post, momentarily silencing the Tyneside faithful.
But the Magpies were quick to rediscover their rhythm. Just minutes later, Botman towered above defenders to thunder Kieran Trippier’s swinging corner into the net, restoring Newcastle’s two-goal buffer.
Still, drama lingered as Qarabag pressed on: a Dan Burn handball gifted the visitors a penalty, and though Ramsdale denied Marko Jankovic’s initial effort, Elvin Cafarquliyev reacted fastest to prod in the rebound and keep the tie lively.
Statistical supremacy and Champions League milestones
The numbers from the night further highlighted Newcastle United’s dominance:
- Expected Goals (xG): Newcastle 2.78, Qarabag 1.3
- Shots: Newcastle racked up 19 attempts; Qarabag managed 13
- Total goals in the tie: Newcastle 9, Qarabag 3
These statistics underscore not just the Magpies’ attacking intent, but their ability to convert opportunities at crucial moments. In fact, Newcastle’s overall goal tally for the 2025-26 Champions League season soared to an astonishing 26—two clear of European giants Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, their nearest scorers.
Key performances and turning points
While Anthony Gordon’s incredible four-goal display in the first leg effectively decided the play-off, Newcastle’s collective performance in this second match offered plenty to admire:
- Sven Botman’s aerial prowess contributed decisively at both ends
- Harvey Barnes, with energy and vision, repeatedly threatened Qarabag’s backline
- Aaron Ramsdale produced a crucial penalty save—moments that can swing entire campaigns
Qarabag, to their credit, exhibited resilience and attacking ambition, with players like Musa Qurbanli keeping Newcastle’s defense honest until the final whistle.
Newcastle United’s progression to the Champions League last 16 feels like both a destination and springboard. The team’s rapid starts, ruthless finishing, and record-breaking goal tally position them as genuine contenders as the competition intensifies.