Qarabağ FK are facing Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League play-off round on Wednesday evening in Baku, in what will be the first UEFA competition meeting between the two clubs.
It is also Newcastle’s first European fixture against opposition from Azerbaijan.
The match will be played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 21:45 local time. Norwegian referee Espen Eskås has been appointed to officiate.
The tie represents a milestone for both sides. Qarabağ are competing at this stage of the Champions League for the first time and are the first Azerbaijani club to reach the knockout phase. Newcastle, meanwhile, are also appearing in the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time.
It marks Qarabağ’s latest appearance at the Champions League play-off stage, with Gurban Gurbanov’s side aiming to make full use of home advantage against Premier League opposition. Newcastle face a demanding trip to Azerbaijan - one of the longest away journeys for an English club in European competition.
Qarabağ’s past meetings with English opposition highlight the level of competition they face. In nine previous UEFA encounters against English clubs, the Azerbaijani champions have drawn once and suffered eight defeats.
Newcastle’s away form in UEFA competition has been inconsistent. The Premier League club have won just two of their last 15 European away matches, drawing eight and losing five. In this season’s league phase, they recorded one win, two draws and one defeat on the road.
Both teams enter the tie while balancing domestic campaigns with European commitments.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged the significance of the occasion and the atmosphere expected in Baku.
“There’s a real excitement with this game and the travel and the number of supporters we’re bringing. It’s all set to be a great occasion,” Howe said. “We have to bring our A-game and approach it in the right way.”
He also cautioned against judging Qarabağ solely on a heavy defeat earlier in the competition.
“The scoreline was not reflective of the game. They made a really bright start and created chances. They showed a high technical level and have dangerous players,” he said.
Qarabağ head coach Gurban Gurbanov stressed his side’s determination to compete strongly at home.
“Newcastle United are a well-known and well-established club. They have a style of play that does not suit us,” Gurbanov said.
“No team in England wants to play against Newcastle, because they do not allow their opponents to play their game.”
The Qarabağ coach added that his players would approach the match with courage despite recognising the challenge ahead.
What to expect
Qarabağ are likely to rely on their technical discipline and structured approach, particularly in the early stages, while Newcastle will aim to impose their physical intensity and tempo.
With the second leg still to come, both sides may balance ambition with caution. For Qarabağ, the fixture represents a significant step in their European journey. For Newcastle, it is an opportunity to reinforce their position at this stage of the competition.
The first leg in Baku is expected to set the tone for what could be a competitive play-off tie.
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