Gurban Gurbanov watched on as Newcastle United tore Qarabag FK apart.
Eddie Howe’s side were five up at half-time and it could have been double figures by the break.
It could well have been if Kochalski, the home goalkeeper, hadn’t been on such top form.
Qarabag FK boss Gurban Gurbanov changed things at half-time, went more defensive.
This combined with Newcastle United saving legs for future challenges and cruising to victory, saw the hosts draw the second half 1-1 and ‘succeed’ with a bit of damage limitation.
Gurban Gurbanov has reacted to what he witnessed against Newcastle United: “Unfortunately, we lost with such a score. We did not want to lose with such a score. My players could not recover after the first goals conceded.”
It was an Eddie Howe masterclass.
The Newcastle United boss setting his team up perfectly, with a brave high press from very early on and getting large numbers forward to put pressure on the opposition.
The Qarabag FK manager happy to admit just how good Eddie Howe and his team had been: “The opponent is a very fast-playing team. Their preparation was also at a high level.”
Qarabag FK have done themselves and their manager proud this season in the Champions League.
The best that any Azerbaijan club has ever done in the competition.
They came through three qualifying rounds and the won three and drew one in the Swiss League stage.
With the return game at St James’ Park still to come, Gurban Gurbanov was keen to look for positives despite the hammering by Newcastle United: “We would like to thank our fans for being with our team until the end. The great thing was that the Champions League matches were held in Azerbaijan until February.”
Photo by Aziz Karimov/Getty Images
United playing Qarabag FK on Tuesday 24 February with an 8pm kick-off.
Qarabag FK 1 Newcastle 6 – Wednesday 18 February 2026 5.45pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Gordon 3, 32 pen, 33, 45+1 pen, Thiaw 8, Jacob Murphy 72
Qarabag FK:
Ceferquliyev 54
Possession was Newcastle 58% Qarabag FK 42%
Total shots were Newcastle 22 Qarabag FK 8
Shots on target were Newcastle 14 Qarabag FK 2
Corners were Newcastle 6 Qarabag FK 8
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 39 Qarabag FK 20
Newcastle team v Qarabag FK:
Pope, Trippier (Joelinton 77), Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Willock (Ramsey 68), Barnes (Neave 87), Elanga (Jacob Murphy 68), Gordon (Osula 68), Woltemade
Unused Subs:
Ramsdale, Harris, Ruddy, Alex Murphy, Shahar