Champions League Knockout Drama Unfolds as Qarabag Makes Historic Run Against Newcastle
Milan, 18 February 2026
Qarabag FK becomes the first Azerbaijani club to reach the Champions League knockout phase playoffs, facing Newcastle United tonight in a David versus Goliath encounter. The Baku-based side stunned European football by defeating Benfica 3-2 and securing victories against Copenhagen and Frankfurt during the league phase. Newcastle enters the tie seeking to end a concerning away form slump, having failed to win their last three fixtures on the road. With Anthony Gordon leading Newcastle’s attack with six Champions League goals and Qarabag’s attacking duo of Camilo Duran and Leandro Andrade providing 53.8% of their goals, tonight’s clash promises compelling viewing for Kenyan football fans across multiple streaming platforms including StarTimes World Football.
Injury Concerns Shape Team Selections
Both sides face significant personnel challenges heading into this crucial encounter. Qarabag will be without goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, who has not featured since mid-November 2025 and remains sidelined due to injury [1]. However, the Azerbaijani champions receive a boost with Kady Borges expected to be available despite his weekend dismissal [1]. Newcastle’s injury list proves more extensive, with key players Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth all confirmed absentees [1]. The Magpies await fitness assessments on Sven Botman, Lewis Miley, and Yoane Wissa, adding uncertainty to Eddie Howe’s tactical preparations [1].
Historical Context Favours English Opposition
The statistical backdrop presents a daunting challenge for Qarabag, who carry a poor record against English opposition with seven defeats in eight previous encounters [1]. Their sole bright spot against Premier League sides came in early November when they secured a creditable 2-2 draw with Chelsea, demonstrating their capacity to trouble elite English teams on home soil [1]. This result formed part of an impressive home campaign where Qarabag scored at least twice in four separate League Phase fixtures at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium [1]. Newcastle’s recent away form, however, suggests vulnerability, with the Geordies failing to secure victory in their last three fixtures on the road since a commanding 4-0 triumph over Union SG [1].
Attacking Firepower on Both Sides
The goal-scoring burden for Qarabag rests heavily on the shoulders of Camilo Duran and Leandro Andrade, whose combined tally of seven goals represents 53.846 per cent of their team’s 13 League Phase strikes [1]. This attacking duo’s contribution underlines both their importance and the team’s reliance on a narrow pool of scorers. Newcastle counter with their own prolific threats, led by Anthony Gordon’s impressive haul of six Champions League goals this season, supported by Harvey Barnes who has contributed five goals and one assist [1]. The Magpies entered this fixture seeking to achieve three consecutive victories across all competitions, having previously enjoyed successful runs of three wins in October 2025 and again between December 2025 and January 2026 [1].
European Evening Entertainment Across Multiple Platforms
Tonight’s Champions League action extends beyond Baku, with Kenyan viewers enjoying access to a rich tapestry of European football across various competitions. The Olympiacos versus Bayer Leverkusen encounter kicks off at 20:00, featuring two sides with recent history after the Greek champions secured a 2-0 home victory during the League Phase in January 2026 [3]. Serie A action provides additional entertainment with AC Milan hosting Como at 19:45, where the Rossoneri seek to extend their remarkable 23-match unbeaten run in Europe’s top five leagues [2]. AC Milan carries the momentum of a recent 3-1 victory over Como in January, with Adrien Rabiot netting twice at the Stadio Sinigaglia [2]. Kenyan football enthusiasts can access these matches through StarTimes World Football for African viewers, alongside Paramount+, DAZN, and beIN Sports across various regional markets [2][3].