Newcastle vs Qarabag Preview: Magpies Eye Comfortable Passage at St James’ Park

Champions League Play-Off Second Leg | Newcastle vs Qarabag

Under the lights at St James’ Park tomorrow night, Newcastle United return home with one foot already planted firmly in the next round as they prepare to face Qarabağ FK in the second leg of their European tie. After a ruthless 6–1 demolition away from home last week, the Magpies are overwhelming favourites to finish the job on Tyneside.

The first leg was nothing short of extraordinary. Newcastle tore through Qarabag with pace, precision and confidence, running riot in a performance that sent a clear message across Europe. The headline act was Anthony Gordon, who delivered a record-breaking display by scoring four goals in a single match.

It was a clinical, fearless performance that underlined his development into one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the competition. By half-time in Baku, the contest was effectively over, and Newcastle never looked back as they wrapped up a dominant 6–1 victory.

Despite that European high, domestic reality hit hard at the weekend. Newcastle fell to a 2–1 defeat against Manchester City a match that exposed the fine margins at the top level. They competed well in spells but ultimately came up short against Pep Guardiola’s side. The loss was a reminder that consistency remains the next step in Newcastle’s evolution, especially when juggling the demands of European football alongside the Premier League.

Still, returning to St James’ Park with a five-goal aggregate advantage changes the complexion of this encounter entirely. The atmosphere is expected to be buoyant rather than tense. Eddie Howe’s men do not need to chase the game; instead, they can manage it. That could mean controlled possession, smart rotation, and perhaps opportunities for squad players to make an impression. For Qarabag, the task borders on the impossible.

Overturning such a heavy deficit away from home would require a historic collapse from the hosts.

Much of the spotlight will once again fall on Gordon. Confidence is flowing through the winger, and when he plays with swagger and directness, defenders struggle to contain him. Whether he starts or is managed carefully after recent fixtures, his impact on the tie has already been decisive.

Everything points toward a comfortable evening for Newcastle. With the aggregate score heavily in their favour and home support behind them, it is difficult to envision anything other than progression. Expect Newcastle to control proceedings and potentially add to their tally.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2–0 Qarabag on the night, sealing an emphatic aggregate victory and safe passage into the next round.