Full-time! Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle
90+3 mins: Newcastle United put down a superb marker in their Champions League play-off first leg against Qarabag as they demolished the hosts 6-1 in Baku.
The goalscoring begin immediately with Dan Burn threading a pass through to Anthony Gordon who sent the Magpies ahead with a tick over two minutes on the clock.
Gordon was superb, he scored again from open play by pressing high and overturning the ball off Kevin Medina, and slotted home two penalties as Newcastle punished a lacklustre Qarabag in the opening 45 minutes.
Eddie Howe’s men led by five goals, Malick Thiaw had headed in the second to go with Gordon’s four, and they took their foot off the gas. In the second half Elvin Jafarguliyev pulled one back only for substitute Jacob Murphy to restore the five-goal cushion.
Newcastle take that advantage back to St. James’ Park next week but Howe will know his team have all but booked their place in the last-16.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:38
86 mins: Just a few minutes left to play in Baku. Will there be more goals or have Newcastle got enough?
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:32
83 mins: Qarabag are looking to reduce the deficit again.
A few crosses, all dealt with by Newcastle, and a push higher up the pitch from the hosts shows their willingness to keep attacking.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:29
80 mins: 10 minutes to play in Baku.
Newcastle are already thinking about the flight home. They’ve done the business tonight and can look forward to a Champions League last-16 tie.
Of course, the play-off isn’t over yet with a second leg to come but Eddie Howe will be confident that his team won’t let their lead slip.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:25
75 mins: Brilliant from Newcastle tonight. They’ve played wonderfully and are still trying to make things happen.
Murphy crosses the ball in from the right but finds the goalkeeper.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:19
GOAL! Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle (Jacob Murphy, 72′)
The score doesn’t remain the same!
Jacob Murphy receives the ball out on the right wing. He brings it inside and decides to shoot.
The effort hits a defender on the head which deflects the ball away from the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:18
70 mins: 20 minutes to play.
Even if the scoreline remains the same it is a superb night for Newcastle and their four goal advantage won’t be squandered at St. James’ Park.
They’re running down the clock now, maintaining possession and keeping the hosts off the ball.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:16
67 mins: Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon are all taken off.
In there place come Will Osula, Jacob Murphy and Jacob Ramsey.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:13
64 mins: The home fans are starting to enjoy themselves.
Qarabag’s possession has a purpose at last and they’re throwing themselves into tackles and are willing to get forward.
A strike from range hits a Newcastle defender and Qarabag win themselves a corner.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:10
Pope is drawn into a save as Montiel whacks an effort from the edge of the box his way.
Pope fumbles the first contact but manages to grasp onto the ball.
There’s a bit of fight left in Qarabag.
Mike Jones18 February 2026 19:05