Newcastle host Qarabag with historic 6-1 cushion and point to prove after City loss | OneFootball

Newcastle United return to St James’ Park on Tuesday night with one foot firmly in the Champions League last 16 after their emphatic 6-1 first-leg victory over Qarabag.

Eddie Howe’s side produced a ruthless display in Azerbaijan last week to establish a five-goal cushion that leaves this second leg close to a formality.

Anthony Gordon’s four-goal haul headlined a dominant performance that effectively settled the tie before half-time in the first meeting.

Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy also found the net as Newcastle overwhelmed their hosts with pace and precision.

History strongly favours the Magpies, with no team ever overturning a deficit of five goals or more in a European Cup knockout tie.

Despite that commanding position, Howe will demand professionalism and intensity from his players on home soil.

Newcastle’s momentum was checked at the weekend by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, a result that exposed defensive lapses at key moments.

While the performance at the Etihad was competitive, the loss served as a reminder that standards must remain high.

St James’ Park has not been the fortress it once was in recent weeks, with Newcastle suffering three defeats in their last four home matches in all competitions.

That record adds further incentive to deliver a convincing display in front of their supporters.

Qarabag travel to Tyneside with little realistic hope but with pride still at stake.

The Azerbaijani champions have shown resilience in this season’s competition, notably claiming notable results earlier in the campaign.

However, defensive vulnerabilities have been brutally exposed in successive heavy defeats.

They conceded six goals against Newcastle in the first leg and have struggled to contain elite attacking units throughout the tournament.

Howe is likely to rotate selectively but will avoid wholesale changes to maintain rhythm and control.

Game management will be crucial, particularly in the early stages when Qarabag may attempt to press aggressively.

An early Newcastle goal would extinguish any lingering doubt and allow the hosts to control proceedings comfortably.

The Magpies know that qualification should be secured barring an extraordinary collapse.

The focus will be on maintaining discipline, regaining confidence after the weekend setback and building momentum ahead of domestic challenges.

With a five-goal advantage and home support behind them, Newcastle are expected to complete the job efficiently and book their place in the knockout phase proper.