Qarabağ FK vs. Newcastle United: Champions League Playoff Preview

Baku’s Tofiq Bəhramov Republican Stadium will host Qarabağ FK and Newcastle United on February 18, 2026, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage playoff round. The match, kicking off at 17:45 UTC, is a crucial encounter for both teams as they vie for a spot in the Champions League proper.

Match Details

• Date: February 18, 2026
• Time: 17:45 UTC
• Venue: Tofiq Bəhramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan
• Competition: UEFA Champions League, Knockout Stage
• Referee: Espen Eskås (NOR)

Team Lineups

Qarabağ FK (4-2-3-1): Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarquliyev, Bicalho, Jankovic, Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir, Duran.

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope, Trippier, Burn, Thiaw, Hall, Tonali, Willock, Ramsey, Gordon, Barnes, Woltemade.

Injuries and Suspensions

Newcastle United will be without several key players due to injury. Emil Krafth is sidelined with a knee injury, expected to keep him out until late February 2026. Fabian Schär is recovering from an ankle injury, with a projected return in mid-April 2026. Valentino Livramento is also out with a hamstring injury, anticipated to heal by mid-March 2026. Bruno Guimaraes is nursing a muscle injury, also expected to sideline him until mid-April 2026, and Joelinton is recovering from a thigh injury, with a return expected in late February 2026. Lewis Miley is doubtful due to a knee injury.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast on Paramount+.

Officials

• Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan (NOR)
• Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Bashevkin (NOR)
• Fourth Official: Sigurd Kringstad (NOR)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Rob Dieperink (NED)
• Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR): Dennis Higler (NED)
• UEFA Referee Observer: Matteo Simone Trefoloni (ITA)
• UEFA Delegate: Ignas Marcinkevičius (LTU)

Recent Form

Qarabağ FK:

• XImisli FK 0 – 1 Qarabag FK
• Shamakhi FK 1 – 2 Qarabag FK
• Qarabag FK 1 – 0 Turan Tovuz
• Liverpool 6 – 0 Qarabag FK
• Qarabag FK 0 – 2 FC Kapaz

Newcastle United:

• Aston Villa 1 – 3 Newcastle United
• Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 2 Newcastle United
• Newcastle United 2 – 3 Brentford
• Manchester City 3 – 1 Newcastle United
• Liverpool 4 – 1 Newcastle United