Howe bullish as Newcastle surge into Champions League last 16 clash with Chelsea or Barcelona | OneFootball

Eddie Howe is confident that Newcastle United can compete with anyone in Europe after sealing progress to the Champions League's Round of 16.

Newcastle beat Qarabag 3-2 on Tuesday night to confirm comfortable progression (aggregate score 9-3) to the last 16 of the competition.

After a 6-1 success in the first leg, Howe made changes to his team but Newcastle raced into an early two-goal lead through Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

Qarabag admirably continued to battle on the night and found the scoresheet at St James' Park through Camilo Duran and Elvin Cafarguliyev, either side of Sven Botman's third for the home side.

Newcastle, however, were never in genuine danger with the damage done during the first meeting in Azerbaijan.

This season marks the first time that Newcastle have progressed into the knockout rounds of theChampions League. The Magpies are set for a huge tie in the Round of 16, with either Chelsea or Barcelona awaiting Howe's side in Friday's draw.

Despite an inconsistentPremier League campaign, Howe has sent a bullish message to Newcastle's potential opponents. He insisted his side have the belief to compete with any team in the competition.

"We have to believe in ourselves," he said post-game.

"We have seen the best of ourselves when we have gone into cup games and one-off games, where we have been able to rise to whatever challenge we have had in front of us.

"We will have to go in with that mindset again, whoever we get in the next round."