Key Highlights
- Newcastle United host Qarabag FK with a 6-1 lead from the first leg.
- Kick-off is on Tuesday, February 24 at 8.00 p.m. GMT.
- Davide Massa (Italy) will referee the match; Daniele Chiffi (Italy) as VAR.
- Newcastle United face player availability concerns with multiple injuries.
- Anthony Gordon’s stats and records make this a done deal in Baku.
Newcastle United’s Big Test
It’s Tuesday, February 24. Newcastle United faces Qarabag FK at St. James Park with a commanding 6-1 lead from the first leg.
Not always an easy task to maintain that kind of superiority, but Eddie Howe and his squad have shown they can handle the pressure.
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports and Amazon Prime in the UK, Paramount+ in the US, SonyLIV in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. ESPN’s live updates are also available if you just want to follow the action without the commercials.
Team News: A Mix of Injuries
Newcastle United’s squad is hit hard with injuries. Emil Krafth (knee), Fabian Schär (ankle), Tino Livramento (hamstring), Bruno Guimarães (muscle), Lewis Miley (knee), and Yoane Wissa (knock) are all out.
Sven Botman is doubtful with a back issue. A big question for Howe will be how to manage his squad given the limited options, especially in such an important tie.
Anthony Gordon’s Unforgettable Performance
Anthony Gordon’s stats speak volumes. His two-minute, two-second goal against Qarabag is now the fastest ever by Newcastle in UEFA Champions League history. Gordon has 10 UCL goals this season and is the first Englishman to score a hat-trick in the knockout stages.
The 33 minutes it took him to net his hat-trick are the quickest ever for an English player and by a player for an English club. His performance has made this match almost a formality, but that doesn’t mean Howe will rest on his laurels.
Rotating Without Fear
Newcastle can rotate without fear thanks to their first-leg lead. Howe might give William Osula a start and allow Joelinton to get some fitness back. Sandro Tonali could be rested, and perhaps Anthony Elanga gets more time on the pitch.
The question is whether Elanga can finally find his form after a disappointing season in Newcastle colors.
His transfer from Nottingham Forest was big money for nothing so far. Howe might use this match to test out new combinations and see if he can find the magic touch.
Qarabag’s Journey
The Azerbaijan club is not just about that 6-1 defeat in the first leg. They are the second Azerbaijani team to reach a Champions League knockout round, after Napoli, Benfica, Marseille, PSV, Athletic Bilbao, Ajax, and Villarreal. Their journey speaks volumes about their resilience and talent.
The match is more than just about winning or losing; it’s about showing up and making history. Qarabag will be fighting for every point to prove themselves in the biggest stage yet.
