Newcastle United have been handed what appears to be a favorable draw in the Champions League knockout play-offs, as they are set to face Qarabag of Azerbaijan. The draw, which took place on January 30, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland, has mapped out the initial stage of the knockout phase for teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase of the competition.
For Newcastle, who are making their first appearance in the knockout rounds, this draw presents a significant opportunity to advance to the Round of 16. However, they must first navigate a two-legged affair against Qarabag. The first leg is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan on either February 17 or 18, 2026, requiring the Magpies to make a lengthy 5,000-mile round trip. The return leg will be played at St. James' Park on February 24 or 25, 2026, giving Newcastle the advantage of playing at home in the decisive match.
Qarabag, while not a household name in European football, should not be underestimated. In the league phase, they suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Liverpool but also managed a 2-2 draw at home against Chelsea. This demonstrates their potential to cause problems, especially on their own ground.
If Newcastle successfully overcome Qarabag, they will then face a sterner test in the Round of 16 against either Barcelona or Chelsea. These are two of Europe's most prominent clubs, and would represent a significant step up in competition for Eddie Howe's side.
The Champions League play-off draw has also thrown up some other intriguing ties. Real Madrid, after a dramatic end to the league phase that saw them finish outside the top eight, will face Benfica in a rematch. Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League title holders, will face Monaco in an all-French clash. Other notable pairings include Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan, Galatasaray vs Juventus, Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta, and Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen.
The eight teams that emerge victorious from the play-off round will join Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City, who have already qualified for the Round of 16. The draw for the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals is scheduled to take place on February 27, 2026. The final will be held on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Newcastle's immediate focus will be on preparing for the tie against Qarabag. The games add to an already busy February schedule, with Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Everton also on the horizon. The team will need to manage its resources carefully to ensure they are competitive on all fronts.
