AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s Qarabag endured a decisive 1-6 home defeat to England’s Newcastle United in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie in Baku.
The match, played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, was effectively settled in the first half as Newcastle built a commanding lead through multiple goals from Anthony Gordon, along with strikes from Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy. The visitors maintained control after the break, extending the scoreline despite a response from the hosts.
Qarabag’s only goal came in the 55th minute, when Elvin Jafarguliyev found the net to briefly reduce the deficit. Newcastle later added another goal to seal a comprehensive victory and place the English side in a dominant position ahead of the return leg.
The second match is scheduled to take place in England on the night of February 24-25 Baku time, where Qarabag will need a significant turnaround to keep hopes of advancing alive.
Despite the heavy loss, reaching the playoff stage of Europe’s top club competition remains a notable achievement for the Azerbaijani champions, who have consistently represented the country in continental tournaments in recent years.