Newcastle United have officially marched into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, completing a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabağ FK. Following a 3-2 win at St. James’ Park on Tuesday, February 24, the Magpies have sent a clear message to Europe’s elite: they are ready for anyone in Friday’s draw—including heavyweights Barcelona and Chelsea.
Anthony Gordon: ‘We Will Take Anyone On’
Speaking to Amazon Prime immediately after the final whistle, star winger Anthony Gordon—who joined an exclusive club earlier this month by scoring four goals in the first leg in Baku—was bullish about Newcastle’s prospects.
When asked if he had a preference between a glamour tie against Barcelona or a high-stakes domestic clash with Chelsea, Gordon didn’t blink.
“Anyone,” Gordon responded. “Honestly, with this group of players, we will take anyone on. Especially with knockout football, we back ourselves. Bring on whoever’s to come.”
Eddie Howe: ‘Dream Big’ in the Last 16
For manager Eddie Howe, reaching the knockout stages represents the achievement of the club’s primary European target for the 2025/26 season. Despite a late lapse in concentration that saw Qarabağ score twice in the second leg, Howe was full of praise for his squad’s resilience.
- Clinical Start: Early goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton effectively ended any lingering hopes of a Qarabağ miracle.
- Squad Depth: Howe utilized the comfortable lead to hand a full Champions League debut to academy prospect Alex Murphy, while managing the minutes of key starters like Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier.
