Newcastle United starting XI vs Qarabag
Newcastle United were dragged into a closer battle than they may have anticipated against Qarabag as they won by the odd goal in five.
The Magpies went ahead on exactly four minutes as Sandro Tonali started and finished a move with a close range finish. The Italian [picked the ball up mid-way in the Qarabag half and drove forward with Nick Woltemade screaming for the ball.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-vs-qarabag-live-33478793)
The German star's first time pass for Dan Burn resulted in a defender blocking the ball before Harvey Barnes then clipped in a left wing cross. William Osula's effort was blocked before Tonali applied the finish at the Leazes End.
United doubled that lead on six minutes while fans were still celebrating the first. The TV replays were still rolling when Barnes crossed from the left for Joelinton to smash home on the volley from six yards out.
Qarabag pulled a goal back through Camilo Duran to reduce the arrears but Sven Botman's power header on 52 minutes made it 3-1. After Aaron Ramsdale kept out Marko Jankovic's penalty, Elvin Jafarguilyev's followed up to take us to 3-2.
Here's how United fared against Qarabag at St James' Park:
**Aaron Ramsdale 6**
No clean sheet, but on hand to make a couple of key saves. Saved another penalty but could not keep out the rebound.
**Kieran Trippier 8**
Dug deep to lead the team through the second leg. Caused a few problems and swung in a fine corner for Botman to score.
**Sven Botman 8**
A solid display and a goal from the fit-again Dutchman. Some crisp passing out from the back. He had 68 touches in all.
**Dan Burn 6**
Started OK, but Duran skipped through to score before he conceded a penalty moments later. Maybe this was a game too many.
**Alex Murphy 8**
Has waited patiently for his chance and did well. Stuck to his task and did not shirk a tackle.
**Joelinton 8**
Did not look happy after his number came up on 54 minutes. A wonderful goal to make it 2-0. Threw himself around but was taken off to avoid ban for the last 16 with the player on a yellow card from previous matches.
**Sandro Tonali 9**
A goal and a fizzing display in midfield as he demonstrated he's back to his best in a black and white shirt. Set the tone with an early strike.
**Nick Woltemade 7**
A sparkling start to the game with some clever twists and turns. The second half was more of a slog in midfield. The debate over his position is wide open but his technique can't be faulted can it?
**Harvey Barnes 8**
An assist in the first half and caused plenty of problems. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
**Jacob Murphy 7**
A busy enough shift that started out wide and ended at right-back with the captain's armband.
**William Osula 4**
Did not make an impact, unfortunately. Just 17 touches and one shot on a night when there were goals up for grabs.
**Subs**
**Joe Willock 6 (for Joelinton 54)**
**Lewis Hall 8 (for Trippier 54)**
**Anthony Gordon 7 (for Botman 54)**
**Yoane Wissa 6 (for Osula 73)**
**Leo Shahar (for Murphy 87)**
**\*Subs must play 15 minutes to earn a mark**