Newcastle United will discover their opponents for the round of 16 stage when the next Champions League draw takes place on Friday, which will also clear up the Magpies' potential path to the final
Jacob Murphy speaks to the media following the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK.
Jacob Murphy was asked if he'd rather face Barcelona or Chelsea in the Champions League. (Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy issued the perfect response when asked who he would prefer to take on in the round of 16 of the Champions League, with the winger making it clear that the team are ready to face anybody.
Eddie Howe’s side booked their place in the knockout stages of the competition by overcoming Qarabag in the play-off round. A 3-2 win at St James’ Park on Tuesday night saw them record a 9-3 aggregate score.
Early goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton put Newcastle 2-0 up within the first six minutes of the game. Camilo Duran got a goal back for Qarabag, but Sven Botman scored Newcastle’s third in the 52nd minute, before Elvin Cafarguliyev got another consolation goal for the opponents.
The side’s progression means that they will play either Premier League rivals Chelsea or Spanish giants Barcelona in the round of 16 stage.
The draw takes place on Friday, February 27. At the same time, the draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will be made.
Following the win over Qarabag, Murphy, who scored in the first leg, was asked if he would prefer to face Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round. He simply replied with: “Anyone.”
The response shows the squad's mentality towards the Champions League this season. The fact that they are ready to take on any team and are relishing the challenge.
Newcastle have already faced some big games in the group stage of the competition. Their first Champions League clash of the season saw them host Barcelona at St James’ Park, where a Marcus Rashford brace saw them fall to a 2-1 loss.
Sandro Tonali celebrates with teammates after scoring Newcastle's opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James' Park.
Newcastle United have booked their place in the round of 16 of the Champions League(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
They also travelled to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in their last group game. Joe Willock’s goal earned them a 1-1 draw that secured their place in the play-off stages.
Manager Howe has also sent a similar message to Murphy. “Whoever we get in the next round will be an amazing tie for us,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“I believe that we can raise our game and compete with anybody. That’s what we’re going to have to do, whoever we get.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
“But I think it’s a massive thing for us to give our season an extra boost to get through this knockout phase and then into the next one.”
“We have to believe in ourselves,“ he added. “I think we’ve seen the best of ourselves this year when we’ve gone into cup games and one-off games where we’ve been able to really rise to whatever challenge we’ve had in front of us.
“So I think we’ll have to go in with that mindset again.”
Legends of Newcastle United - Our special publication is on sale now.
A new special publication, Legends of Newcastle United, recalls the finest footballers to have worn the famous black and white jersey of the Magpies.
The Chronicle's legendary NUFC writer John Gibson has selected his greatest-ever Newcastle players and managers, penning tributes to these icons of the beautiful game, famed for their footballing brilliance on Tyneside and beyond.
Buy your copy today HERE or in participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents from Wednesday, February 18.