In the fast-evolving landscape of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Newcastle United have emerged as one of the most compelling stories. On February 24, 2026, Eddie Howe’s side completed a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabag in the knockout round play-offs, booking their place in the last 16 for the first time since the 2002/03 season. For online readers passionate about Newcastle United Champions League campaigns, this milestone represents far more than qualification—it signals a squad brimming with belief and ready to challenge Europe’s elite once again.
The second leg at St James’ Park delivered an entertaining contest before a crowd of 50,068. Newcastle struck early and emphatically. Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a close-range finish after a parried header from William Osula. Just two minutes later, Joelinton volleyed home brilliantly from Harvey Barnes’ cross to make it 2-0. Although Qarabag pulled one back through Camilo Durán on 50 minutes and equalised the night’s scoring via Elvin Jafarguliyev’s rebound in the 57th minute, Sven Botman restored a comfortable three-goal lead on the night with a powerful header from a Kieran Trippier corner. The final whistle confirmed Newcastle’s progression and ensured all six Premier League representatives advanced to the last 16.
This result capped an impressive league-phase campaign in which Newcastle finished among the top eight. They have scored a competition-leading 26 goals in 10 matches while conceding just 10, averaging 2.6 goals per game. Moreover, their six victories in the competition set a new club record, surpassing the five wins achieved in 12 games during the 2002/03 edition. Anthony Gordon has been particularly prolific, netting 10 goals to become the second-quickest Englishman to reach double figures in a single Champions League season.
Overcoming Domestic Setbacks to Ignite European Form
The journey to this point has not been without challenges. Earlier in February, Newcastle suffered a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Brentford in the Premier League, after which a section of fans voiced frustration. Howe openly admitted he was “not doing his job well enough” and used the setback as a catalyst for reflection. The response has been emphatic: Newcastle have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including impressive victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa alongside the Qarabag double.
Currently sitting 11th in the Premier League table with 36 points from 27 games, the Magpies remain focused on climbing the domestic standings. However, European nights have clearly elevated their performance levels. They drew 1-1 with holders Paris Saint-Germain in Paris and pushed Barcelona close in a 2-1 opening-day defeat, demonstrating they can compete with the continent’s best when at full strength.
Defender Dan Burn captured this growing confidence in his programme notes: “We’ve shown that, especially against Paris Saint-Germain, how good we can be. I think we elevate our game going into those games because there are bigger, better teams at this stage of the competition.” Such comments reflect a squad that no longer feels overawed by the occasion.
Relishing the Knockout Challenge: “Bring It On”
The mindset within the Newcastle United Champions League camp is refreshingly positive. After the Qarabag win, winger Jacob Murphy was asked whether he preferred Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round. His immediate reply spoke volumes: “Anyone. Honestly, with this group of players, we will take anyone on. Especially with knockout football, we back ourselves. Bring on whoever’s to come.”
Eddie Howe shares this fearless attitude. Having achieved the club’s initial target of reaching the knockout stage, he insists the journey should continue. “We have to believe in ourselves,” he stated. “We have seen the best of ourselves when we have gone into cup games and one-off games, where we have been able to rise to whatever challenge we have had in front of us. We will have to go in with that mindset again, whoever we get in the next round.”
The new league-phase format has clearly suited Newcastle. It allowed them to build momentum and accumulate big-game experience against sides such as Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Club, and Union Saint-Gilloise. Former striker Dwight Gayle, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted the dressing-room excitement: “They will buzz off someone like Barcelona and that will create an unbelievable tie. To continue this run is perfect for them and they will be hungry for more.”
Newcastle United’s Key 2025/26 Champions League Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 10 |
| Wins | 6 (club record) |
| Goals Scored | 26 (competition leaders) |
| Goals Conceded | 10 |
| Top Scorer | Anthony Gordon (10 goals) |
| Aggregate vs Qarabag | 9-3 |
| Next Opponent (R16) | Chelsea or Barcelona |
These figures highlight efficiency and attacking prowess that few teams can match.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Newcastle last reached the Champions League last 16 in 2003, progressing to the second group stage. This season’s achievement therefore carries extra significance for a club and fanbase that endured years outside Europe’s top competition. The experiences gained during the 2023/24 group stage—facing Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan—plus the 2025 Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool have hardened the squad for knockout football.
The last-16 draw on Friday, February 27, 2026, will determine whether Newcastle face Chelsea or Barcelona. Regardless of the opponent, the message from St James’ Park remains clear: they belong at this level and intend to make an impact. As Howe emphasised, the focus now shifts to maintaining high standards across both domestic and European fronts.
For supporters following every twist in the Newcastle United Champions League 2025/26 story, these past weeks have delivered excitement, redemption, and genuine hope. The squad’s ability to bounce back from domestic disappointment, combined with record-breaking attacking output, suggests a team ready to embrace whatever the knockout stage brings. With a fearless mentality and proven quality on the big stage, Newcastle United enter the last 16 not as underdogs but as confident contenders eager to write another memorable chapter in their European journey.
In summary, the Magpies’ progression to the Champions League last 16 underscores their rapid development under Eddie Howe. From record goal tallies to bold public declarations of readiness, the club has signalled it is prepared to compete at the highest level. As the draw approaches and the business end of the season intensifies, Newcastle’s blend of attacking flair, defensive resilience, and collective belief positions them perfectly to thrive in the knockout phase.
