Sandro Tonali celebrates opening the scoring against Qarabag.placeholder image
Sandro Tonali celebrates opening the scoring against Qarabag. | Getty Images
Newcastle United 2-0 Qarabag player ratings: Here’s how Alex Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Sandro Tonali and co have fared.
The Magpies went into the game with a 6-1 advantage from the first leg as they looked to formalise progress to the last-16 of the Champions League.
Eddie Howe made seven changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, handing a full debut to 21-year-old defender Alex Murphy.
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Newcastle were 2-0 up inside eight minutes in Baku but went two better back at St James’ Park as they were 2-0 ahead after just six minutes with early goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
After that storming start, Newcastle had a few chances to extend their lead further but the scoreline remained the same as the sides went in at half-time.
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Made a tight-angled save and another to parry over at the end of the first half.
Kieran Trippier - 6
Eased through the first half without having to get into second gear.
Sven Botman - 5
Gifted Qarabag their first opening of the game with a misplaced pass on his return after three games out. Sloppy in possession at times. Came close to scoring with a header from a corner.
Dan Burn - 6
Won his battles without ever really being tested.
Alex Murphy - 6
In from the start for his full Newcastle debut. Slotted in seamlessly and pushed forward well without and put in a great challenge to deny Marko Jankovic.
Sandro Tonali - 7
Reacted quickly to poke home an early goal for The Magpies. Comfortable, but edging on complacent.
Joelinton - 8
A great finish to make it 2-0 after six minutes. Made Qarabag look like boys at times.
Nick Woltemade - 6
Played a role in the opening goal. Cruised through the opening stages but guilty of some sloppy moments. Released Jacob Murphy with a quality turn on the edge of the box. A hot and cold first half.
Jacob Murphy - 6
Missed a great chance to make it 3-0 after being played in by Woltemade.
Harvey Barnes - 6
Played a role in both goals with his crosses from the left causing problems.
Should have scored with a header early on but Tonali was there to poke in the rebound. Wasteful in front of goal.
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