SOCCER: Newcastle through to last 16 of Champions League 9-3 on aggregate

NEWCASTLE, England – Newcastle United secured their first-ever place in the Champions League last 16 after defeating Qarabag 3-2 at St. James’ Park on Tuesday, completing a 9-3 aggregate victory.

The result was never in doubt following Newcastle’s dominant 6-1 win in the first leg in Baku last week. However, the anticipated goal rush in the second leg was short-lived despite an explosive start.

The Magpies raced to a 2-0 lead within six minutes, with Sandro Tonali scoring in the fourth minute and Joelinton adding a volley in the sixth, sending the fans into full celebration.

Unlike in Baku, where Newcastle led 5-0 by halftime, the team eased off in the second half, allowing Qarabag to regain momentum. Camilo Duran pulled one back for the visitors in the 50th minute, but Newcastle responded instantly when Sven Botman scored his first Champions League goal with a powerful header two minutes later.

Manager Eddie Howe introduced Anthony Gordon, who scored four goals in the first leg, in the 54th minute to replace Joelinton, though the substitution had little impact on the game. Qarabag scored again three minutes later when Elvin Jafarguliyev netted a left-footed shot after Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty following a Dan Burn handball.

Newcastle now await the winner of the Barcelona vs. Chelsea tie in the knockout stages.

-Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London; Editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters