Elvin Jafarguliyev of Qarabag FK scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James' Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
Elvin Jafarguliyev of Qarabag FK scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James' Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United 3-2 Qarabag player ratings: Here’s how Alex Murphy, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and co fared at St James’ Park.
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.
But Qarabag pulled back a goal shortly after the restart as Camilo Duran got the better of Dan Burn before slotting past Aaron Ramsdale.
Newcastle then went the other end, won a corner and scored through Sven Botman.
Qarabag then had a chance to pull another goal back after Burn was penalised for handball. Marko Jankovic’s penalty was saved by Aaron Ramsdale, but Elvin Jafarguliyev reacted quickly to turn in on the rebound to make it 3-2 on the night.
Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline as the game progressed, but the scoreline remained the same, with Newcastle ultimately progressing comfortably with a 9-3 aggregate win.
Newcastle will now face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last-16, with the draw set to be made on Friday.
Aaron Ramsdale - 6
Made a tight-angled save and another to parry over at the end of the first half. Saved a penalty but couldn’t keep out the rebound. Made a good save to stop Qarabag equalising shortly after.
Kieran Trippier - 6
Eased through the first half without having to get into second gear before being taken off early in the second half.
Sven Botman - 6
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 in the first half and did in the second to make it 3-1.
Dan Burn - 5
Won his battles without ever really being tested in the first half. Beaten in a foot race by Camilo Duran for Qarabag’s first goal and conceded the penalty which led to their second. A poor second-half showing after looking so comfortable in the first.
Alex Murphy - 6
In from the start for his full Newcastle debut. Slotted in seamlessly and pushed forward well and put in a great challenge to deny Marko Jankovic in the first half. Beaten in the build-up to Qarabag’s penalty win in the second. A solid debut.
Sandro Tonali - 7
Reacted quickly to poke home an early goal for The Magpies. Comfortable but complacent and played the full 90 minutes.
Joelinton - 7
A great finish to make it 2-0 after six minutes. Made Qarabag look like boys at times but faded as the game wore on before being taken off.
Nick Woltemade - 5
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. Barely got involved in the second and had a few headers nicked off him by good defensive work from Qarabag.
Jacob Murphy - 6
Missed a great chance to make it 3-0 after being played in by Woltemade. Captained the side for the majority of the second half following Trippier’s withdrawal. Slow to react to Qarabag’s second goal.
Harvey Barnes - 6
Played a role in both goals with his crosses from the left causing problems. Forced a good save from the goalkeeper in the second half.
William Osula - 4
Should have scored with a header early on, but Tonali was there to poke in the rebound. Wasteful in front of goal and struggled to make an impact. Handed a good opportunity on his first Champions League start to make an impact but ultimately failed to impress.
Substitutes
Lewis Hall - 6
On for Trippier 54: Typically quality on the ball bar one misplaced pass. A comfortable outing.
Anthony Gordon - 6
On for Joelinton 54: Looked hungry and determined to make an impact off the bench having scored four last week. Shot wide from distance in the closing stages.
Joe Willock - 5
On for Botman 54: Had some good opportunities but lacked the execution.
Yoane Wissa - 5
On for Osula 73: Returned after three games out. Had a couple of touches but didn’t threaten the goal.
Leo Shahar - n/a
On for Murphy 87: On for his Newcastle debut to see out the game. Didn’t put a foot wrong.
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