Newcastle United are THROUGH to the Champions League last 16 for the FIRST time in their history. even if they made hard work of finishing the job against Qarabag.
Eddie Howe’s men wrapped up a 9-3 aggregate demolition job with a 3-2 win at a bouncing St James’ Park, sealing their place in Friday’s draw where Barcelona or Chelsea await.
The tie was as good as dead after that 6-1 masterclass in Baku last week. But the Geordies still turned up expecting another goal fest after a BLISTERING start that had the place rocking.
Sandro Tonali opened the account in the FOURTH minute. Before the away fans had even settled, Joelinton made it TWO just 80 seconds later with a sweet volley that had the Gallowgate End in dreamland.
Two goals. Two minutes. Tie well and truly buried.
But here’s the thing, Newcastle then took their foot clean off the gas. And Qarabag, to their credit, made them pay.
Camilo Duran pulled one back five minutes after the restart. Normal service resumed almost immediately when Sven Botman powered home his first Champions League goal from Kieran Trippier’s corner two minutes later. But there was still time for more drama.
Dan Burn’s handball gifted the visitors a penalty, Marko Jankovic saw his spot kick saved by Aaron Ramsdale, but Elvin Jafarguliyev smashed home the rebound to make it 3-2.
Cue a few nervy moments. Cue Howe on the touchline demanding more. But job done.
HOWE’S HONEST VERDICT
“At 2-0 we probably came off the pedal,” the gaffer admitted. “We didn’t intend to do that but that was the natural reaction.
“I think if you look at the score over the two legs, it’s been fantastic from the players although today feels a bit of a hollow win for us.”
Hollow or not, it’s HISTORY. First time Newcastle have won SIX games in a single Champions League campaign. First time they’ve reached the knockout stage proper yes, they made the second group phase back in 2003, but this is different.
WHO’S NEXT?
Friday’s draw throws up two absolute blockbusters.
Barcelona won 2-1 at St James’ back in September in a proper European night under the lights. Chelsea took a point from their Premier League visit in December in a 2-2 thriller.
Howe’s already got his eye on both.
“We really enjoyed the game against Barcelona and we had a good game against Chelsea here as well. We didn’t win either so hopefully that’s a good omen for us.”
He’s not wrong. The target at the start of the season was reaching this stage. Now they’re here, why not dream a little?
THE ROTATION GAME
Howe hooked four goal hero Anthony Gordon from the first leg, only bringing him on in the 54th minute for Joelinton. William Osula led the line, Harvey Barnes got minutes, and the squad players showed they can mix it at this level.
Qarabag? They’ll head home with some pride restored after that second-half fightback. But make no mistake, this was Newcastle’s night.
WHAT IT MEANS
Eleven league games left to secure Champions League football for next season. A last 16 tie against one of Europe’s absolute giants on the horizon.
And a stadium that believes again.
Bring on Friday. Bring on whoever. These Magpies aren’t done yet.
