Newcastle discovered their destiny after dismantling Qarabag in a Champions League rout throughout two legs.
Newcastle are within the draw for the Champions League final 16. (Picture: Getty) This text accommodates affiliate hyperlinks, we are going to obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
Newcastle booked their place within the Champions League spherical of 16 by beating Qarabag over two legs within the play-off. After ending twelfth within the league section following a heroic 1-1 draw towards PSG, Newcastle didn’t qualify routinely and had been compelled into the additional spherical to safe a spot within the knockout stage correct.
The Magpies had been paired with Azerbaijani champions Qarabag within the play-off draw. Having secured a dominant 6-1 victory within the first leg, Eddie Howe’s facet backed it up with a 3-2 victory at St James’ Park.
The official Champions League spherical of 16 draw is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. Going down in Nyon, Switzerland, the ceremony will decide the precise last-16 matchups for the play-off winners and the highest eight automated qualifiers who’ve been ready within the hat.
Because of the ‘tennis-style’ bracket system, Newcastle already knew their potential opponents. After ending off Qarabag, they’re scheduled to face both Spanish giants Barcelona or Premier League rivals Chelsea. These groups completed fifth and sixth respectively, putting them in the identical part of the knockout bracket.
Within the spherical of 16, the groups that completed within the prime eight of the league section are seeded. This implies Newcastle, coming by way of the play-offs, are unseeded and should play the primary leg of their last-16 tie at St James’ Park.
A key UEFA rule change means the seeded groups (like Barcelona or Chelsea) are assured the second leg at dwelling. Newcastle must journey away for the decisive return match, making their dwelling efficiency within the first leg essential for his or her hopes of advancing.
In contrast to earlier years’ group levels, there isn’t a ‘same-country’ safety within the knockout section. This explains why an all-English last-16 conflict towards Chelsea is a definite chance, including a well-recognized depth to Newcastle’s European journey.
The Champions League spherical of 16 fixtures are set to happen in mid-March. The primary legs are scheduled for March 10/11, with the second legs following on March 17/18, 2026, because the competitors narrows right down to the ultimate eight groups.
Sky Sports activities discounted Premier League and EFL bundle
£49 £35 View Deal
Sky has slashed the worth of its Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and providing greater than 1,400 stay matches throughout the Premier League, EFL and extra.
Sky reveals a minimum of 215 stay Premier League video games every season, a rise of as much as 100, plus System 1, darts, golf and extra.
Leave a Reply