Competition: UEFA Champions League – Playoff 1st Leg
Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Kick-off: 17:45 UTC
Venue: Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu
The Champions League playoffs bring an interesting clash as Qarabag FK vs Newcastle United takes place in Azerbaijan. This first-leg tie is crucial, with both teams aiming to take an advantage before the return leg in England. ⚽🔥
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📋 Match Preview
Qarabag have been strong at home in European competitions and will try to make life difficult for Newcastle. However, the Premier League side arrive with higher quality and more experience at this level.
Newcastle have several injuries but still possess enough attacking power to control the match. Qarabag will rely on counter-attacks and set pieces to threaten.
This is the first ever meeting between the two clubs, which makes this tie even more unpredictable.
🔵 Predicted Lineups
Qarabag FK (4-2-3-1):
Kochalski – Matheus Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarquliyev – Bicalho, Jankovic – Andrade, Montiel, Zoubir – Camilo Duran
Newcastle United (4-3-3):
Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall – Willock, Tonali, Ramsey – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Unavailable players (Newcastle):
Joelinton, Miley, Krafth, Schär, Livramento, Bruno Guimarães
Qarabag have a full squad available.
📊 Team Form
Qarabag recent form:
✅ Imisli 0-1 Qarabag
✅ Shamakhi 1-2 Qarabag
✅ Qarabag 1-0 Turan
❌ Liverpool 6-0 Qarabag
❌ Qarabag 0-2 Kapaz
Newcastle recent form:
✅ Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle
✅ Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle
❌ Newcastle 2-3 Brentford
❌ Man City 3-1 Newcastle
❌ Liverpool 4-1 Newcastle
Newcastle have mixed form but remain dangerous in attack. Qarabag are solid domestically but face a big step up here.
📺 TV & Live Streaming
Channels broadcasting the match include:
beIN Sports
BT Sport
DAZN
Canal+
SuperSport
(Check local listings in your country)
🔢 Match Analysis
- Newcastle have more squad depth and quality
- Qarabag strong at home but concede against top teams
- Newcastle usually score even away
- First leg → cautious but goals expected
This match could see Newcastle control possession while Qarabag defend deep and counter.
🔥 Betting Tips
Main Prediction: Newcastle United to win 🟢
Safe Bet: Over 1.5 goals ⚽
Value Bet: Newcastle win & over 1.5 goals
Correct Score: Qarabag 1-2 Newcastle
⭐ Why Newcastle Are Favorites
- Stronger squad overall
- More European experience
- Qarabag struggle vs top-level teams
- Newcastle attack still dangerous despite injuries
📢 Final Thoughts
The Qarabag vs Newcastle prediction points toward an away win, but the Azerbaijani side could still score at home. Newcastle will aim to take a first-leg advantage before returning to St James’ Park.
Expect a competitive match with Newcastle slightly ahead. ⚽🔥
🔗For more Champions League match previews, predictions and betting tips, visit our Champions League Predictions page.
