The Magpies have made the 2,500-mile journey from Newcastle to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku for tomorrow night’s opening leg in the Tofiq Bahramov Republic Stadium, with the return game taking place at St James’ Park next Tuesday.
Qarabag have already made history by becoming the first Azerbaijani club to make it beyond the Champions League group stage, and have beaten Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Copenhagen in this season’s competition as well as drawing with Chelsea.
Newcastle will nevertheless start as strong favourites to progress and set up a last-16 tie against either Barcelona or Chelsea, with Gurbanov claiming they fully deserve that status.
“Newcastle United are a well-known and well-established club,” said Gurbanov, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference in Baku. “They have a style of play that does not suit us. No team in England wants to play against Newcastle because they do not allow their opponents to play their game.
“We want to play a brave, intelligent game on our own pitch. Our opponents have the edge on us in a number of ways, but I believe my players will give their best.”
This has been a historic European campaign for Qarabag, who face a battle to hold on to their domestic title as they currently trail Azerbaijani league leaders Sabah by four points.
Their 2-2 home draw with Chelsea, which was secured thanks to goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic was a major highlight, and Gurbanov will be urging his players to use the experience of pushing the Blues all the way to inspire them as they line up against Newcastle, who will be backed by 1,998 intrepid travelling supporters.
“It is a game where we can gain a lot of experience,” said Gurbanov. “It is the first time in the history of Azerbaijani football that we will play in the play-off stage of the Champions League. Especially since we will play against a club as well established as Newcastle United. It is a team that comes from the number one championship in the world.
“We had little time to prepare for the game. But overall, our players are acting very responsibly and are excited. They are looking forward to tomorrow’s match. Each of them is thinking of playing one of their best games.
“We will try to fight well on our home field, in front of our fans, play smartly and bravely. I believe that our players will try to show their best side.”