Newcastle United now set to face Qarabag FK in the Champions League.
A two-legged play-off to decide which of the two clubs makes the last 16 of the competition.
With their 14 points from four wins, two draws and two defeats, Newcastle United finished 12th in the Swiss League phase and ensured the home match would be second.
Ending up between ninth and sixteenth, also ensured playing a club that finished between seventeenth and twenty fourth.
In the end, it was PSG or Newcastle United against either Monaco or Qarabag FK, due to the way UEFA pair clubs.
So PSG up against Monaco, whilst United facing a trip to Azerbaijan to kick off their play-off.
My knowledge of Qarabag FK and indeed Azerbaijan football in general, is a ‘little’ limited.
However, I have now discovered that Gurban Gurbanov is heading towards a full 20 years as Qarabag boss! He became manager in 2008 and is closing in on two full decades in charge.
Qarabag have won the domestic league in Azerbaijan in 11 of the last 12 seasons (second in the ‘disastrous 2020/21 season!).
However, they currently trail league leaders Sabah by four points.
In the Champions League though they are making history, their 10 points from three wins and a draw saw Qarabag FK end up 22nd in the Swiss League stage and progress to the play-offs.
Maybe the best way to measure up Newcastle United’s opponents, is by having a look at their complete record of matches against English clubs in European competitions.
Tottenham 3 Qarabag FK 1 (Europa League) 17 September 2015
Qarabag FK 0 Tottenham 1 (Europa League) 26 November 2015
Chelsea 6 Qarabag FK 0 (Champions League) 12 September 2017
Qarabag FK 0 Chelsea 4 (Champions League) 22 November 2017
Qarabag FK 0 Arsenal 3 (Europa League) 4 October 2018
Arsenal 1 Qarabag FK 0 (Europa League) 13 December 2018
Tottenham 3 Qarabag FK 0 (Europa League) 26 September 2024
Qarabag FK 2 Chelsea 2 (Champions League) 5 November 2025
Liverpool 6 Qarabag FK 0 (Champions League) 29 January 2026
So it is eight defeats to English clubs and one draw.
I would guess that taking these last three Qarabag FK matches into account would be most relevant, all within the last 18 months. Whereas you are going back eight years and more for the others.
Liverpool are capable of doing that to weaker teams and got 3-0 up within 21 minutes at Anfield.
The fact that Spurs won 3-0 at home against Qarabag FK is probably a fairer guide and then the 2-2 at home to Chelsea shows what they are especially capable of at home. They have also this season won at home against Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Copenhagen, whilst winning away at Benfica as well. The other home CL game was a 4-2 defeat to Ajax.
Qarabag FK have scored twice in three of their home matches and got three in the win over Eintracht Frankfurt, so clearly they are not a team for sitting back…
Indeed, only rock bottom Kairat Almaty conceded more goals than the 21 Qarabag FK leaked in their eight games in the Swiss League phase. Do not put any money on Wednesday night finishing goalless!!