Champions League: Can Mourinho do it again against Real Madrid?

February 17, 2026 - 01:51

Newcastle United's return to the Champions League stage hits an unfamiliar road this week as they travel to face Qarabag FK in Baku. The Magpies, buoyant after a strong domestic start, are expected to navigate this fixture, but the Azerbaijani champions present a potentially tricky hurdle.

Qarabag are no strangers to European competition and have built a reputation for being a disciplined and organized side capable of frustrating more illustrious opponents on their home turf. Their recent European history includes credible results against the likes of Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, proving they are far from mere participants.

For Eddie Howe's Newcastle, the challenge is multifaceted. The long trip, a different style of opponent, and the pressure of expectation all combine to create a classic "banana skin" scenario. While the squad boasts superior individual talent, European away days demand a specific mentality and resilience.

The key for Newcastle will be to impose their physicality and attacking rhythm early to quiet the passionate home support. A failure to respect Qarabag's capability could see the Premier League side in for an uncomfortable evening. This match serves as a crucial reminder that in the Champions League, pedigree alone does not guarantee victory, making Newcastle firmly on upset watch in Azerbaijan.